Pregnant women who contract COVID-19 and develop temperatures higher than 38.5 C are advised to take medication as high body temperatures pose a risk to their fetus, an obstetrician and gynecologist said on Monday.

Zhao Yangyu, who works at Peking University Third Hospital said that women with no or only mild symptoms do not need to take medication, but should rest often, drink plenty of water and sleep well.

They should refrain from using compound drugs and if they have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should consult doctors before taking medication, she said at a news conference.

Data shows that there is low possibility of mother-fetus transmission of COVID-19, so pregnant women should rest assured, she said.

Women can still choose to give birth if they display only mild symptoms, while women with severe symptoms should consultation with doctors, she added.