Pregnancy is approaching the midpoint
As the baby grows and your partner’s belly along with it, she may start experiencing new sensations in her body, including leg cramps.
Muscle contractions of the calves and feet are quite common during pregnancy. Being physically active, stretching, and wearing comfortable shoes can help manage them [1]. Some doctors recommend taking dietary supplements with calcium and magnesium as prevention [1]. However, any type of supplementation during pregnancy should be approved by the attending doctor.
Another expected sensation at this time is a feeling of bubbling or butterflies in the stomach. The experience may be due to the baby’s movements, but it can also be simple bloating. As progesterone levels rise, muscles in the body start to relax, including the intestines. This can slow the digestive process and gas can accumulate as a side effect [2].
Expectant mothers need to pay special attention to their diet, the types of foods they choose, and how they are prepared. To be safe, your partner should avoid dishes that include raw fish or undercooked meat of any kind, skip anything with raw eggs, and avoid smoked sausages, unpasteurized dairy, or cheeses with mold.
