A recent study, Commercially Available Prenatal Vitamins Do Not Meet American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Nutritional Guidelines sampled non prescription prenatal vitamins. None of the sampled prenatal vitamins provided what was recommended.

Meet the award winning film director and advocate for Black women's health. As the interim EVP of Black Women's Health Imperative founded by Byllye Avery, Ms Cunningham has directed MePeriod which explores puberty, menstruation, and health discovery. No longer a taboo subject matter, mother and daughters open up to their experiences with their menstrual cycles.

Ms Cunningham and Dr. Rahman have a soulful, sister-to-sister conversation about what prompted the creation of MePeriod and the positive health impact it can have in our lives.

Tampons have been shown to contain endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs). A recent study now shows that tampons contain metals such as lead which can have deleterious effect on the body.

Given that tampons are the most frequently used feminine menstrual product and given the number of years a woman needs to use this product, further evaluation is warranted.

What are we doing to our bodies? What are we exposing our daughters to?

"Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s" Shearston J et al.

Should pregnant and lactating women be participant in clinical drug trials? The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have published a Consensus Study Report to address how those involved in such clinical drug trials can avoid liability. Is this a good idea? Let's think about this. Let's talk.

This is imporant!

Medication has to be approved by FDA before it can be offered to the public. Since 1962, clinical trials have not included pregnant women. Why? Drugs such as thalidomide and DES (diethylstilbestrol) were given to pregnant women with unwanted and unexpected side effects. Currently, many are promoting including pregnant and lactating women clinical research trials. Is it a good idea? Over the next few weeks we will consider the pros and the cons.

Your baby is growing up. What do you say? How do you prepare her for the physical, mental, hormonal changes that are happening to her body.

It's a challenging time for both of you.

How to discuss anatomy, her menses, sexuality in a way that supports and empowers your child.

40 Weeks is the name of our new segment dedicated to eliminating maternal racial disparities and reducing maternal mortality.

We discuss basic questions about pregnancy. We answer questions from pregnant women that often go unanswered.

It"s important to us to share this information so that more women will actively engage and question their prenatal care.

Each of us has a story of triumphs, failures, loves and losses. Many of us are reluctant to share our stories. Why share? Why expose yourself to negative comments and trolls. We know that have had to endure such negativity.

I've been privileged to hear amazing stories from women, especially Black. The stories are impactful. There's understanding and bonding. And there's something that is self affirming when someone hears you.

I decided to share some of my own stories. With these stories, I express gratitude those that may never know just how significant there words and actions were to me.

You are welcome to share your story. No negativity allowed.

Welcome to Black Women's Health podcast which has become a platform to advocate for, promote and to answers all those questions that you can't seem to get answered.

Here's a daunting topic - your daughter has started her menstrual cycle. She's confused and scared. The sight of that unexpected bleeding is memorable for many of us.

Dr. Rahman a board certified OBGYN discussed how you know sexual maturation is occuring, providing suggestions as to how to begun the process of speaking with your daughter.

Welcome to 40 Weeks - a segment dedicated to 1) providing information and 2 ) working to reduce maternal mortality . Here were explore questions you may have regarding pregnancy which never got answered, concerns which may have been dismissed.

This segment discusses how many prenatal visits are considered standard of care. Is that reasonable? Or should the number of visits depend on your "risk" status? And how do you know if you are "high risk"?

This is provided for your consideration. It is informative, And it is not a substitute for prenatal care. As always you should discuss your concerns with your OB and/or midwife. Be willing to advocate for yourself and for your baby.

This will help you to know what to ask, help you to understand responses and help you to know when you are receiving appropriate OB care.

Learn and understand what is happening to your body and your baby as you go through 40 weeks.