FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is the difference between 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound?
3D ultrasounds provide a still image while 4D adds the dimension of motion so it looks like a video. All our 3D experiences include 4D ultrasound. The saved digital images will be 3D, while a recording of the ultrasound (included with All Giggles or available for purchase) will include 4D.
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What is your facility like?
We pride ourselves on being an inviting, relaxing, comfortable, and spacious environment for you and your family. Our pregnancy ultrasound studios are custom built to provide the perfect space. You can visit the location pages for Provo and St. George to see interior pictures, or use Google Maps to see uploaded pictures.
Google Street View can show the exterior and surrounding area, however the views can be very outdated and may look very different. The Shops at Riverwoods, where the Provo studio is located, has been completely renovated since street view was last updated, so pay more attention to recently uploaded pictures instead.
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Is 3D and 4D ultrasound safe for me and my baby?
3D and 4D ultrasound use the same frequency as your doctor uses in the normal 2D ultrasound. Ultrasounds have been used for over 35 years and there have been no proven side effects from its proper use. We strictly adhere to the FDA’s standards during all HD ultrasound procedures.
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Do you accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance because our services are elective procedures, however HSA cards are accepted as a form of payment.
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When is the best time to have a 3D/4D/HD/HD ultrasound?
That depends on what you are looking to see. Many mothers like coming in twice, early on, 16-26 weeks, when they can see the baby as a whole, and then again at 25-34 weeks to see a more detailed face. Between 28 and 32 weeks, your baby develops more fat and gets a more defined face. After 34 weeks, it becomes more and more difficult to obtain good pictures since the baby is running out of room. However, all babies are different and we have been successful in obtaining great HD ultrasound images all the way up to 39 weeks.
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How good are you at determining the sex of the baby?
We offer an early gender blood test after six weeks of gestational age, which has an accuracy rate of 99.9% (higher than ultrasound)! The test is not designed to work correctly on twins, unless they are confirmed identical.
After 16 weeks gestational age, we can use a gender ultrasound to determine the gender with an accuracy rate that exceeds that of hospitals at a national level. If you are over 16 weeks and the gender cannot be seen, we invite you back for a weekday return appointment and we will check again for free within the next 14 days. The need for a return visit is usually rare, and typically due to the baby’s position.
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Is 3D and 4D ultrasound safe for me and my baby?
3D and 4D ultrasound use the same frequency as your doctor uses in the normal 2D ultrasound. Ultrasounds have been used for over 35 years and there have been no proven side effects from its proper use. We strictly adhere to the FDA’s standards during all HD ultrasound procedures.
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How can I be sure to get the best possible 3D/4D/HD pictures?
Doctors recommend maintaining a healthy fluid intake, especially while you are pregnant. This will help to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear as well as full. Since it is harder to drink too much water than too little, we recommend to try and drink as much as you can, especially the 3 days leading up to your appointment. If you find yourself craving salt, that's probably because salt helps your body retain the water. You should always listen to your body when adjusting fluid/salt intake.
There are factors that are out of the sonographer’s control like the baby’s position, the mother’s build, amount of amniotic fluid, etc., but our technicians are trained with techniques to obtain the best pictures possible no matter your situation.
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What should I do prior to the 3D/4D/HD appointment?
Drink plenty of water during the 3-5 days before your appointment to ensure your amniotic fluid is full and clear. If your baby has a time during the day that they are active, you might choose to schedule your ultrasound during that time so that they will be awake during your session. You do not need to arrive early, but please be punctual to ensure you maximize your time with your baby via ultrasound.
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How long is the 3D/4D/HD ultrasound session?
Depending on the ultrasound package that you select, your session will last between 10 and 25 minutes. However, plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour at our studio so that we can send you home with memories to last a lifetime. It is best to arrive right on time, as we typically operate on a punctual schedule. There is no need to arrive earlier than your appointment time.
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How can I pay for the ultrasound?
We currently accept major credit/debit cards (including HSA cards), Kicks & Giggles gift cards, Kicks & Giggles Punch Cards, and cash. Coupon codes are typically only available at the time of booking, when booked online. We can not take Apple Pay, Android Pay, or bill insurance.
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When do I get my 3D/4D/HD pictures and videos?
You’ll get pictures from your HD ultrasound at the end of the ultrasound session before you leave the studio.
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Will my doctor be contacted about the 3D/4D/HD ultrasound?
We do not contact your doctor at any point since our services are elective, non-medical procedures. If we do see something concerning during the appointment, we will recommend that you contact your doctor. We do require that you currently are under prenatal care. If you have any concerns prior to or after your experience at Kicks & Giggles, you should ask your doctor. Ultrasound technicians, including those at Kicks & Giggles, cannot make or confirm any diagnosis.
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Will I always get great images of my baby?
Most of the time we are able to get great images, but not always. Sometimes, such as if the baby is looking face down toward mom’s spine, or if the baby is laying against the placenta, we may be unable to get full or clear images. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and the mother’s condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.
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What will determine quality of the images?
Fetal position is the number one determination of your image quality during pregnancy ultrasounds. Some babies come ready for viewing and great images are obtained. Others simply turn their back or cuddle up to the placenta or the uterine wall or insist on putting their hands and feet in front of their face. We will try hard to make your baby move in order to see and image the face. Your sonographer will work with you to help your baby move and adjust to capture the best possible pictures.
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What can I do to improve the images of my ultrasound?
WATER! is the best answer to how to improve your images. You should be drinking plenty of water beginning at least 3 days before your scheduled appointment. Water can drastically improve the quality and clarity of an ultrasound. If your baby has a time during the day that they are active, you might choose to schedule your ultrasound during that time so that they will be awake during your session.
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What if we are not able to get images?
It is our number one priority at Kicks and Giggles HD to obtain the absolute best images of your baby & make sure you are satisfied to the fullest. We use the top of the line ultrasound equipment to ensure this, however, some factors that determine the outcome of your ultrasound are out of our control such as: location of your placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, the clarity of the amniotic fluid, the baby’s position, & the overall fetal environment. If we are unable to determine the gender of your child or obtain 3D/4D/HD images at your scheduled appointment due to these factors mentioned above, we would be happy to schedule a second appointment within the next 14 days at no charge.
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What if my baby is breech?
Breech position is when the baby’s head is located at the top of your uterus & feet are down. In some cases, particularly for mothers who are overweight, this can make it more difficult to obtain clear pictures. If you know that your baby is breech prior to your 3D/4D/HD ultrasound, we do advise you to schedule your appointment a few weeks out to allow time for the baby to turn. However, we know some babies remain breech until very late in the pregnancy or never turn, so know that you can still do a 3D/4D/HD ultrasound and be able to get good images if you have plenty of amniotic fluid.
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If I am overweight will I be able to get clear ultrasound images?
If you are overweight you should not be afraid to have a 3D/4D/HD elective ultrasound, however we strongly recommend that you wait until after 30 weeks gestation. If you are overweight you will need to have a VERY high level of amniotic fluid to obtain clear images of the baby. If you drink the recommended amount of water in the weeks leading up to your appointment there is no reason you should not be able to obtain great images!