True or False: The use of antihypertensives is recommended during pregnancy for severe blood pressure elevations.

Using antihypertensives during pregnancy is indeed recommended for managing severe blood pressure elevations. Severe hypertension in pregnancy, particularly when it reaches levels that can compromise maternal or fetal health, necessitates intervention to reduce the risks of complications such as stroke, placental abruption, and adverse fetal outcomes. Effective management of maternal blood pressure is crucial for ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being.

The decision to start antihypertensive therapy often depends on the specific circumstances, including the severity of the hypertension and gestational age. Medications that are classified as safe to use during pregnancy—such as methyldopa, labetalol, and certain calcium channel blockers—are commonly employed. The general consensus in obstetric practice is that controlling elevated blood pressures can significantly decrease associated risks, making antihypertensives an important aspect of care in these cases.