HonorHealth is offering tips to anyone who is pregnant, as well as their loved ones, on how to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Kelly Helms, an obstetrician-gynecologist and independent member of the HonorHealth medical staff, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information indicating pregnant women are at increased risk of having a severe illness if they contract COVID-19. She recommends women maintain social distancing and properly wash their hands, while staying healthy during the pregnancy. Helms urges women who are pregnant and experiencing a fever and/or body aches, shortness of breath or a new-onset cough to call their obstetrician. Depending on the severity of the illness, the doctor might or might not recommend staying at home and self-quarantining while treating their symptoms with over-the-counter medicine. If the illness is severe, the pregnant woman might be sent to a hospital.

Helms said there is limited information about the virus, but there was no evidence, as of press time, suggesting that Coronavirus can be passed from a mother to her baby through the placenta. There also has been no evidence that the virus can cause fetal abnormalities.

Helms said it is safe for pregnant women to take acetaminophen (two 500 mg tablets) for symptoms of fevers, chills or body aches. Cough syrups also are safe to take during pregnancy, as are anti-allergy medications for congestion or a runny nose including fluticasone propionate, cetirizine, guaifenesin and fexofenadine.

To learn more, visit honorhealth.com.