BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:To study various pathological changes that occurs in the placentas of low birth weight live births and to obtain probable etiological causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty placentas of low birth weight (LBW) live births collected were studied evaluating both gross and microscopic features. RESULTS: Anemia and PIH are the most common conditions that produce LBW live births. Placental morphological changes increase in direct proportion to the severity of the disease. Membrane opacities (48%), perivillous fibrin (46%) and placental infarcts are the most commonly observed morphological changes in LBW live births. Syncytial knots (88%) and fibrinoid necrosis (88%) are the most common histological findings in severe anemia. CONCLUSION: Study of the placenta will help to understand the role of the placenta in LBW live births and may give an insight into the etiopathogenesis of intrauterine growth retardation.