Gross and histologic examination of 13 placentas related to newborns serologically suspected of congenital toxoplasmosis exhibited lesions compatible with hematogenous infection. In four cases microorganisms having the morphologic features of trophozoites and cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were observed. We would like to emphasize the importance of gross examination of the placenta, which permitted the diagnosis of prolonged fetal distress and or probable hematogenous infection in ten cases.