BACKGROUND Despite recommendations that malaria be controlled amongst pregnant women in endemic regions, it continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality both in neonates and the parturient. OBJECTIVES This study was done to determine the prevalence of placental parasitaemia amongst primigravidae; the relationship between placental parasitaemia and average neonatal birth weight; and the relationship between the use of malaria preventive measures and the occurrence of placental parasitaemia with an aim to improve maternal and neonatal outcome. DESIGN This is a descriptive cross-sectional study SETTING This study was done at the labour ward unit of the Federal Medical Center Owerri METHODS/PATIENTS From December 2013 to May 2014, 180 maternal and baby pairs were recruited consecutively. Following her consent, a questionnaire was administered to each woman while in labour to capture her biodata, knowledge and use of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy as well as presence of fever during pregnancy. Blood samples were collected from the mothers and stored in EDTA bottles and later, upon delivery, from the placenta. Thick and thin smears were made for malaria parasites and density calculation. The smears were air dried, packaged and sent to the hospital laboratory where they were stained and later viewed with the assistance of a qualified laboratory scientist. 10 The babies were examined and weighed immediately after delivery. They were seen ten days after delivery for features of congenital malaria or any other abnormalities.