Placenta is the gateway for fetal survival.The effects of anaemia in pregnancy can be diverse and detrimental to the mother and the fetus.The present study aims to observe and compare the gross features of placenta at term in anaemic and non– anaemic mothers of North Bengal and to find out the clinical relevance of such changes.Total 30 placentas were collected from each group of selected patients after delivery at labour room.An examination of umbilical cord, membranes, fetal surface,and maternal surface was carried out. In anaemic mothers, mean baby birth–weight was found to be significantly less than that of control group.The mean placental weight,the mean placental volume and mean placental area in test group was significantly increased in comparison to controls.Occurrence of sub–chorionic fibrosis;retro–placental clot,gross calcification,or placental infarction etc. were found to increase manifold in anaemic mothers.In the present study, it is proved that placenta has considerable functional reserve capacity.It tends to limit the ill–effects of tissue injury and of unfavourable maternal milieu like anaemia.