Masters at two of Ireland's largest maternity hospitals say a number of women have almost died in the past few months as they travelled to the country in labour.
There has been a substantial increase in the numbers of women coming to Ireland in the late stages of pregnancy.
In the past few months Dublin's maternity hospitals have noticed a significant shift in the profile of non-national women giving birth in the country.
The majority are no longer involved in the asylum process, as was the case just over a year ago.
Now, 15% of non national women turning up at the Rotunda Hospital arrive in Ireland within a week of giving birth; another 15% arrive with just hours to spare.
Dr Michael Geary, Master at the Rotunda, said these women are putting themselves and their children at substantial risk.
He said all three Dublin hospitals have had 'near mortalities' in recent months.
At Holles Street Hospital two women were admitted, on separate occasions, who had given birth in an ambulance en route from Dublin airport.
Master Declan Keane said a fourth maternity hospital would be needed to cope.
Masters of all three Dublin maternity hospitals have held a meeting with officials of the Eastern Regional Health authority and the Department of Justice to discuss what they have described as a 'tragedy waiting to happen'.
