High blood pressure during pregnancy can present significant risks to mother and child, but practitioners have sometimes be hesitant to prescribe blood pressure medication out of concern for the impact on the fetus.

Now the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a scientific statement that says the literature shows antihypertensive drugs present no fetal or neonatal risks and can be used to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy.

In fact, one of the authors says the AHA’s review of the research shows the treatment may be beneficial at lower thresholds than previously thought.

Go here to learn more about the AHA’s recommendations and how they could impact maternal mortality risks, pregnancy-related strokes and preeclampsia.