Background and Objectives: Placenta plays a central role in fetal development and well-being. The intimate connection between the fetus and placenta has been recognized throughout history. This study was conducted to evaluate the spectrum of placental pathology associated with low birth weight deliveries (LBW) and to assess various associated etiological factors.

Materials and methods: A total of 106 placentae from LBW deliveries were analyzed in this study for gross and microscopic abnormalities. Clinical data of these cases were also collected and correlated.

Results: The prevalence of placental pathology was found to be 85.2% in LBW deliveries, the most common pathologies being infarction, intervillous hemorrhage, calcification and retroplacental hematoma. The most common clinical conditions associated with LBW were preterm delivery (67%), preeclampsia (30.2%), IUGR (29.2%), and abruptio placenta (9.4%).

Interpretation & Conclusion: Our study shows that LBW deliveries are associated with significant placental pathology. Thus we conclude that examination of placenta in these cases are indispensable and has to be carried out as a routine  protocol.

Keywords: Histopathology; Low Birth Weight; Placenta.