The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is ready to deliver hundreds of babies this summer. And to prepare for that, they're asking expectant parents to be patient while they adjust some of their processes.

High patient volumes and staff shortages are also contributing to the delays parents-to-be may experience, says director of LHSC's women's care program, Amanda Williams.

"We know that welcoming a new baby is a very exciting time, and people can be both anxious and excited," she said.

"Due to the high volume of patients as well as some staffing challenges we are experiencing, we ask for patience as we work to provide high-quality care to all our patients."

The area seeing the most amount of impact is the scheduled inductions department. Tracey Crumley, chief of obstetrics and gynaecology at LHSC is giving patients a heads-up that their dates may be changed.

"Scheduled inductions may see their date changed as we navigate an influx of spontaneous births, for those waiting on a scheduled induction, you will be contacted when it is time to come to the hospital," she said.

Crumley assures expectant patients that all cases are reviewed individually and prioritized based on medical needs.

The hospital says summer is the busiest season for babies being born. Last year, more than 1100 babies were delivered at LHSC between July and August. LHSC set a new monthly record last July when it delivered 561 newborns.

A high number of patients can mean longer wait times in the outpatient clinic and the OB Triage area, and varying room availability depending on the time of a patient's stay for those who are looking for a private, semi-private, or suite in the Mother Baby Care Unit.

The triage unit at the hospital is open 24/7 for an expectant parent or their unborn baby experiencing any medical concerns.