Contraction frequency is measured from which points?

• A. From the end of one contraction to the end of the next contraction
• B. From the peak of one contraction to the peak of the next
• C. From the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
• D. From the start of the first contraction to the end of the following contraction

Answer: (C)

In labor assessment, contraction frequency refers to how often contractions begin. It is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. For example, if a contraction starts at 10:00 and the next begins at 10:04, the frequency is 4 minutes. This timing captures how often contractions are starting, which helps gauge labor progression.

Measuring from the end of one contraction to the end of the next would describe a different metric (rest interval is the time between contractions). Measuring from peak to peak isn’t standard for frequency, since peak timing can vary even if onset timing is consistent. Measuring from the start of the first contraction to the end of the following contraction combines start and end times and isn’t how frequency is defined.