Ruth Haines
It is understandable for pregnant people to be concerned about the safety of airport scanners. However, sources suggest that airport scanners are safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. The scanners emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin, and the amount of radiation exposure is lower than that of an X-ray or a mobile phone. Metal detectors and hand-held scanning wands are also considered safe for pregnant women. Nevertheless, pregnant people should be cautious when flying, as higher altitudes can increase exposure to radiation, and the cramped seating can increase the risk of blood clots. It is always best to consult a doctor before flying during pregnancy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Scanners emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus, according to researchers and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). |
| Alternative Options | If you are uncomfortable with the scanners, you can request a physical frisk by security personnel or a thorough hand search in a private room. |
| Hydration | It is important to stay hydrated during air travel, especially while pregnant. |
| Blood Clots | Pregnant people are more likely to develop blood clots, and cramped seating conditions on planes can increase this risk. |
| Swelling | Many people experience increased swelling in their feet and ankles during air travel. |
| Compression Socks | Consult your doctor about wearing compression socks and tights to support blood flow and minimize swelling. |
| Airline Policies | Check with your airline about their rules and restrictions for flying while pregnant. Most airlines allow pregnant people to fly domestically up to 36 weeks of gestation. |
| Doctor's Recommendation | Consult your doctor about the safety of air travel for you and your pregnancy. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport scanners are safe for pregnant people
The effects of airport security scanners on pregnancy are not harmful. They use low-intensity rays that can penetrate clothing but not the skin. Airport scanners do not produce a body image, so they cannot see a developing fetus.
If you are uncomfortable exposing yourself to the scanners while pregnant, you can request a physical frisk by security personnel or a thorough hand search in a private room. However, you will not be allowed to board a plane until you have been searched.
If you are pregnant, it is generally safe to fly fairly far into your pregnancy if you are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy. However, you should always consult with a gynecologist or your doctor before planning a flight journey to ensure the safety of you and your baby. It is also important to stay hydrated during the journey, and if you are in your third trimester, close to your delivery date, or have a high-risk pregnancy, it is best to avoid travelling unless it is an emergency.
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Metal detectors are safe for pregnant people
Metal detectors and other airport security scanners are considered safe for pregnant people. According to researchers, airport scanning procedures that use metal detectors pose no known risks to pregnant women or their fetuses. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) supports this claim, stating that security scanners are safe for pregnant women to pass through.
The scanners emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus. Common types of airport scanners include millimeter radio wave scanners and backscatter scanners. Millimeter-wave imaging technology is used in these scanners, exposing individuals to less radiation than a mobile phone. The radiation emitted by the scanners is also unable to produce a body image, so they cannot see your baby.
Specialists at the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ensure that the devices used at security checkpoints in US airports are carefully evaluated to ensure the safety of all travelers, including pregnant women. If you have any concerns or feel uncomfortable about using a full-body scanner, you can refuse and request a physical frisk or thorough hand search in a private room. However, airport security staff won't allow you to board a plane until you've been searched.
While airport security scanners are considered safe for pregnant people, it is important to consider other aspects of air travel. Pregnant individuals are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, and the cramped seating conditions on planes can increase this risk. It is recommended to take periodic standing or stretching breaks to keep blood flowing and prevent cramps. Additionally, hydration is crucial during air travel, as the humidity levels are much lower than on the ground, which can lead to dehydration more quickly.
If you are in your third trimester, close to your delivery date, or have a high-risk pregnancy, it is generally advised to avoid traveling unless it is an emergency and you have the approval of your doctor. It is always a good idea to consult with a gynecologist or your doctor before planning air travel to ensure the safety of both yourself and your baby.
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Alternative screening methods for pregnant people
Passing through airport security while pregnant can be a stressful experience. However, according to researchers, airport scanning procedures that use metal detectors are considered safe for pregnant women. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also states that security scanners are considered safe, with no known risks for pregnant women or their fetuses.
Nevertheless, if you are uncomfortable exposing yourself to the scanners while pregnant, there are alternative screening methods available. Here are some options:
Request a Physical Frisk
You can opt for a physical frisk or pat-down by a security officer instead of going through the body scanner. This option is available to all passengers, and you can request it for any reason or no reason at all. However, it is important to note that this process may take longer than simply walking through a scanner. During the frisk, you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing.
Hand-held Scanning Wands
Hand-held scanning wands are another alternative to full-body scanners. These wands are passed over individual passengers and are considered safe for pregnant women.
Private Screening
If you prefer a more private screening experience, you can request a thorough hand search in a private room. This option also involves a more thorough search of your belongings and may take longer than a typical security screening.
Consult with a Medical Professional
If you are unsure about the safety of airport scanners or have specific concerns about your pregnancy, it is always best to consult with your doctor or a gynecologist before planning air travel. They can provide personalized advice and ensure the safety of both you and your baby during your journey.
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Flying during pregnancy
For pregnant women, the risk of passing through airport security scanners is a common concern. However, it is generally considered safe for pregnant women to pass through airport scanners. Common types of airport scanners include millimeter radio wave scanners and backscatter scanners. These emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) supports this, stating that security scanners are safe and carry no known risks for pregnant women or their fetuses.
Despite the general safety of airport scanners, you may still feel uncomfortable exposing yourself to radiation during pregnancy. If so, you can request a physical frisk by security personnel instead. It is important to note that you cannot be forced to go through the scanners, but you will need to submit to a thorough hand search in a private room as an alternative. During this process, you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing, and the check will take longer than passing through a scanner.
While flying during pregnancy, it is important to take precautions to ensure your comfort and well-being. For example, you should stay hydrated, as the low humidity levels in airplanes can lead to dehydration. Additionally, you have an increased risk of developing blood clots during pregnancy, and the cramped seating conditions on planes can further elevate this risk. To mitigate this, take periodic standing or stretching breaks to promote blood flow and prevent cramps. If recommended by your doctor, consider wearing compression socks or tights to enhance blood flow and reduce swelling.
Most airlines allow pregnant individuals to fly domestically up to 36 weeks of gestation. However, international flights may have earlier travel cut-off dates, so it is important to check with your specific airline about their policies before booking. If you are in your third trimester, close to your delivery date, or have a high-risk pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid non-essential travel unless you have the approval of your doctor.
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Risks of flying while pregnant
Passing through airport security scanners is considered safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) states that security scanners are safe, as they emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus. This includes millimeter radio wave scanners and backscatter scanners.
However, there are some risks associated with flying while pregnant, and many airlines will not allow women to fly after 36 weeks of gestation. The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks, and some airlines will request a letter from your doctor or midwife after 28 weeks, confirming your due date and that you are not at risk of complications.
The in-craft environmental conditions, such as changes in cabin pressure and low humidity, coupled with the physiologic changes of pregnancy, can result in adaptations, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a significant decrease in aerobic capacity. The risks associated with long hours of air travel immobilization and low cabin humidity, such as lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events, have been a recent focus of attention for all air travelers. While there is a lack of evidence directly associating these events with air travel during pregnancy, certain preventive measures can be used to minimize these risks, including:
- Using support stockings
- Moving your lower extremities periodically
- Avoiding restrictive clothing
- Staying adequately hydrated
Additionally, long-distance travel (longer than four hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly—at least once every 30 minutes.
Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses are not recommended during pregnancy due to concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb. However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Consult your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use during pregnancy.
Finally, some anti-malaria tablets are not safe to take during pregnancy, so be sure to ask your GP for advice. The Zika virus is another concern, as it can cause problems if you are pregnant, although it is usually mild for most people and is not harmful.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport scanners are safe for pregnant people to pass through. They emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus.
Airport scanners use millimeter-wave imaging technology, which emits less radiation than a mobile phone. They do not use X-rays to produce an image.
Pregnant people are more likely to develop blood clots, and the cramped conditions on a plane can increase this risk. It is important to take periodic standing or stretching breaks to keep the blood flowing and prevent cramps. Pregnant people may also experience more swelling in their feet and ankles during air travel. Staying hydrated can help prevent blood clots and swelling.
Most airlines allow pregnant people to fly domestically up to 36 weeks of gestation. After this, the chances of going into labor are higher. International flights may have an earlier travel cut-off. It is important to check with your airline about their rules and restrictions. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or certain conditions such as gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend limiting or avoiding flying.
