You can assess a pregnant woman's uterine contractions by placing your gloved hand on:

Placing your gloved hand on her abdomen, above the navel, allows you to effectively assess the uterine contractions during pregnancy. This area is generally where the fundus, or the top of the uterus, can be felt as it expands and contracts. By palpating above the navel, healthcare providers can detect the firmness of the uterus, which indicates whether a contraction is occurring. This placement helps in determining the strength, frequency, and duration of the contractions, which are crucial indicators of the labor process.

The areas below the navel, and to the sides, may provide less accurate information regarding the entire contraction pattern, as they may not effectively capture the changes happening in the overall uterine muscle. The assessment method chosen is key in gathering critical information about the pregnancy progression and ensuring the safety of both the mother and the child.