Placental abruption can be diagnosed by displacement of the placenta from the myometrium by a hypoechoic-to-hyperechoic area representing the retroplacental hemorrhage and clot. The hemorrhage varies in echogenicity depending on its amount and organization. One should endeavor to estimate the amount of basal plate surface area affected by retroplacental hemorrhage. This should be considered an obstetrical emergency and the obstetrician immediately notified. If the fetus survives the insult, the abnormal area should be followed to determine continued viability of the fetus and for changes in size of the abruption.