https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92576 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:44:36 GMT 2026-04-17T05:44:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92720 Title: MATERNA : a Magazine by the Malta Medical Students' Association, Vol.1 Abstract: 1/ FOREWORD MESSAGE - Owen Cachia; 2/ A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE - Emma Camilleri; 3/ CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION - Maia Rapa; 4/ FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND IMAGING: A BRIEF REVIEW - Robert Pisani; 5/ POLYCYSTIC OVARIES SYNDROME AND ITS IMPACT ON FERTILITY - Rebekkah Portelli; 6/ PSYCHIATRIC AND DERMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS DURING PREGNANCY - Gabrielle Grixti; 7/ THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING - Karen Cutajar; 8/ THE IMPACT OF CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHOEA INFECTIONS ON FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND THE NEWBORN - Rebecca Caruana Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92720 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92719 Title: Foreword message [MATERNA : a Magazine by the Malta Medical Students' Association, Vol. 1] Abstract: In Europe, about 5 million live births occur each year. While this is generally considered as a positive life experience for mothers and their families, it is estimated that 18% of women will develop depression during pregnancy, 13-20% of women will develop postnatal depression within the first 12 weeks of childbirth, and for 8% of women, this extends beyond the first year. This negatively impacts both the mother and the offspring, as well as the rest of the family. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92719 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92718 Title: Foreword message [MATERNA : a Magazine by the Malta Medical Students' Association, Vol. 1] Abstract: As the officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’ within the Malta Medical Students’ Association, it is with great honor to be introducing to you this year’s edition of MATERNA. This journal is composed of different pieces written by medical students and MMSA members which were extensively reviewed by local academics. The numerous articles focus on different, yet equally important, aspects of maternal health, pregnancy and fertility. I encourage all of our readers to sit back, read through this journal and appreciate the work and passion of tomorrow’s doctors. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92718 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92717 Title: A brief overview on premature ovarian failure Abstract: Menopause is a physiological process that occurs approximately at the age of 51 where a female will no longer undergo menses due to the scarcity of ovarian follicles(1,2). However, in premature ovarian failure (POF) also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and hypergonadotropic ovarian failure, there is a significant decrease in ovarian function and substantial reduction in ovarian follicles after puberty and before the age of 40(3,4). Moraes-Ruehsen and Jones had first described this disease as non-physiological amenorrhoea in non-menopausal women and in 1950. Atria had recounted the characteristics that POI patients would present with, secondary to hypergonadotropic hypoestrogenism(5). Although, occasional resumption of ovarian function can be seen in such patients and spontaneous pregnancies can occur, being diagnosed with POF can have a mental and physical toll on one’s health(2,5). Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92717 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z