Background Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia is a problem in malaria endemic areas like ours and has contributed directly or indirectly to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in our environment. Malaria is however preventable. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and neonatal outcomes of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in labour in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the labour ward complex of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki over a period of three months from March – May 2012. Two hundred and fifty unbooked women who presented in labour at term and were willing to participate were consecutively recruited. A structured data collection sheet was administered to each parturient. A thick and thin blood films were prepared to identify malaria parasites while maternal and cord blood were collected and preserved in separate EDTA bottles to determine maternal and fetal haemoglobin concentration respectively. Part of the placentae were collected and analysed for malaria parasitisation in the histopathology laboratory. The neonates were weighed and recorded.