BirthtideQuestions about Birthtide
Is Birthtide free? Does it have ads, need an account or work offline? Answers about price, privacy, features and devices.
What is Birthtide?
Birthtide is a contraction timer and kick counter for iPhone. Tap once when a contraction starts and again when it eases; Birthtide shows how long each one lasts and how far apart they are, measured from the start of one to the start of the next.
Is Birthtide free?
Yes. The contraction timer, kick counter, history, widgets and Live Activity are free, with no time limit. Birthtide Pro is an optional one-time purchase that adds PDF and CSV reports: US$7.99 in the United States, and the App Store shows the price in your currency. There is no subscription, and Family Sharing is supported.
Does Birthtide have ads?
No. Birthtide has no ads, and no upgrade screens or rating requests appear while you are timing.
Do I need an account?
No. Open the app and tap Start. There is no sign-up or login.
Does Birthtide work offline?
Yes. Timing, kick counting and history work without an internet connection. Every tap is saved on your iPhone the moment you make it, so nothing is lost if the app closes or the phone restarts.
Where are my records stored?
On your iPhone. Contraction and kick records are not uploaded to a Birthtide server, and files leave the phone only when you share them. You can turn anonymous usage and crash data off in Settings. Details are in the privacy policy.
How does Birthtide measure frequency?
From the start of one contraction to the start of the next, the way most care teams ask for it. Duration is shown separately. See how to time contractions.
Does Birthtide tell me whether labor has started?
No. Only your midwife or doctor can tell you that. You can choose a 5-1-1, 4-1-1, 3-1-1 or custom rule, or turn rules off, and Birthtide shows when your recent timings match the rule you chose. Call your care team whenever you are worried. See the 5-1-1 rule.
Can I see the timer on the Lock Screen?
Yes. A Live Activity shows the running timer on the Lock Screen, and Home Screen widgets are included.
Can I send my contractions to my midwife or doctor?
Yes, with Birthtide Pro. Export a session as a PDF or CSV and send it with Messages, Mail, AirDrop or any app you choose.
Can my partner follow along on their own phone?
There is no live partner link at the moment. Your partner can time contractions on your phone, and with Pro you can send them a PDF or CSV of the session.
Does Birthtide count baby kicks?
Yes, for free. Tap once for each movement; a count ends at 10 movements or after two hours, and past counts stay on your iPhone. If your baby is moving less than usual, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away and do not wait to finish a count (kick counting guide).
Which devices and languages does Birthtide support?
iPhone with iOS 18 or later, in more than 40 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Turkish. There is no Android or Apple Watch app yet.
Was Birthtide called Cadence?
Yes. Until October 2026 the app was called Cadence: Contraction Timer. It is the same app with the same App Store link, and your records stay where they are.
Who makes Birthtide?
Birthtide is made by an independent developer, Mustafa Onur ILGAZ. For help, see support.
General information, not medical advice. Follow the advice of your midwife or doctor. Checked 30 October 2026.
Guides
- How to time contractionsMeasure duration and frequency the way care teams ask for it: frequency from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
- The 5-1-1 rule for contractionsWhat 5-1-1, 4-1-1 and 3-1-1 mean, how to check them with a timer, and why your care team’s advice comes first.
- Baby movements and kick countingGet to know your baby’s usual pattern, how a kick count works if your care team asks for one, and when to call straight away.
- How to choose a contraction timer appNine things to check before labor: start-to-start timing, one-handed use, saving offline, no pop-ups, privacy, a rule you choose, reports for your midwife and the price.