Methods for detecting uterine and/or cervical activity in a subject are disclosed which comprise positioning a “uterine/cervical activity monitor” or “UCAM” within the subject, wherein at least one structural component of the UCAM is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and/or a vaginal surface of the subject and which receives an electrical activity of said cervical surface and/or which receives electrical activity of the uterus through said vaginal surface and processing the electrical activity of said cervical and/or vaginal surfaces using a data processor in communication with the UCAM to detect uterine and/or cervical activity of the subject. The methods and UCAM device disclosed herein can be used to detect pre-term labor, differentiate non-labor contractions from “true” labor, as well as other indications.