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This is reassuring in some ways, but the researchers concluded that while data are limited and incomplete, there is justifiable concern that reproductive consequences of the novel coronavirus may have lasting effects for male reproduction and for some pregnant women and children.

Age is one of the biggest factors affecting a womans chance of conceiving, so if youre in your late 30s or 40s, delaying your plans could mean you miss out. Women younger than 30 have about a 20 per cent chance of getting pregnant each month and by age 40, its about 5 per cent each month.

Theres also increasing evidence that a mans age matters too. A study published this month found that pregnancies involving a man over 40 had a higher risk of miscarriage irrespective of the womans age, so if theres a choice about timing, its always better to try sooner rather than later.

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Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression, so if youre already unwell, being pregnant this year may be tough on your mental health.

Its also worth considering how it might feel to engage with the healthcare system more. While Australia has successfully flattened the curve for the moment, infection rates may continue to fluctuate for some time, so being pregnant is likely to be a different experience compared to years gone by.

Are you comfortable seeking care, including emergency care, in a hospital environment that will be very focused on COVID-19 during a pregnancy? And are you confident you will have the support you need throughout a pregnancy and with a newborn if social distancing policies are still in place?

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Alcohol sales have been booming in recent months, so if youve been soothing yourself with a favourite tipple in isolation, youre not alone. The thing is, if youre trying for a baby now, or plan to try soon, its best to back off.

Drinking alcohol can reduce both mens and womens fertility and heavy drinking increases the time it takes to get pregnant. Alcohol can also reduce the chance of a healthy baby. In Scotland, there are even fears of more babies being born with fetal alcohol disorders due to peoples drinking habits during the pandemic.

Theres mounting evidence that a man and womans health leading up to conception impacts on the health of their baby, so while you can only reduce your risk of COVID-19 so much, you can take control of other factors that increase your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

This includes regular exercise, eating well, aiming for a healthy weight, and not smoking. Men wanting to conceive should quit smoking at least three months before trying to ensure their sperm is healthy for conception.

A study published last month found that men who smoked at the time of conception had a greater chance of a baby with birth defects, including spina bifida and heart problems, so for men and women, quitting before you conceive will give your baby the best chance of a healthy life.

For more practical tips about pre-conception health visit the government-funded website yourfertility.org.au.

Dr Karin Hammarberg is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.

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So, you're planning on getting pregnant this year - Sydney Morning Herald