Prenatal power--education for life.

OBJECTIVE: To expand community service opportunities in health promotion and disease prevention for approximately 20% of the female students at Boston High School, who are pregnant or parenting. METHODS: Students at Tufts University School of Medicine created, organized, and taught an interactive curriculum encompassing pre- and postnatal health at Boston High School. Evaluation of program effectiveness is provided by questionnaires completed by participating high school students, medical students, and the high school Health Services Advisor. RESULTS: Short-term outcomes will examine self-esteem, prenatal care knowledge and decision making behavior. Long-term followup will assess outcomes such as birth weight complications, educational status of parents, additional pregnancies, and child health.