The present disclosure discuses systems and methods for detecting and recording bioelectric signals, and specifically bioelectrical signals generated by abdominal organs, such as the uterus. The disclosure discusses area electrodes and arrays of area electrodes. The area electrodes are defined in a metal layer and include an inner and outer diameter. The area electrodes are configured to detect electrical signals generated substantially perpendicular to a surface of the area electrode while rejecting electrical signals generated substantially parallel to the surface of the area electrode.
