Owais Crawford
Many pregnant women worry about the safety of airport security checks and whether the radiation from body scanners may harm their growing baby. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) both state that security scanners are safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. However, pregnant women may still choose to bypass the body scanner and request a physical search or 'pat-down' by a female security officer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Airport body scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women and their babies. |
| Radiation type | Airport body scanners emit non-ionizing radiation, which is the least harmful type of radiation. |
| Alternative options | Pregnant women who are uncomfortable with using a full-body scanner can opt for a physical pat-down or a hand-held scanning wand. |
| Airline rules | Each airline has its own rules and restrictions for pregnant travelers, so it is important to check with the specific airline before booking. |
| Health risks | Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, and cramped seating conditions on planes can further elevate this risk. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport scanners are safe for pregnant women
Many pregnant women worry about airport security checks and fear that the radiation from body scanners may harm their growing baby. However, airport scanners are generally safe for pregnant women. The scanners emit low-intensity non-ionizing radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus. Common types of airport scanners include millimeter radio wave scanners and backscatter scanners. These scanners use low-frequency electromagnetic waves to detect hidden objects or weapons inside a person's clothing, but due to their low-intensity, they cannot penetrate the skin and cause no harm to the fetus.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) both state that security scanners are safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. The specialists at the TSA carefully evaluate the devices used at security checkpoints to ensure the safety of all travelers, including expectant mothers.
Despite the assurances of safety, some pregnant women may still feel uncomfortable with the idea of exposing themselves and their baby to any level of radiation. In such cases, it is possible to request a physical search or "pat-down" by a female security officer instead of passing through the body scanner. This alternative method of screening involves a female officer running her hands across the pregnant woman's body, including the belly, to check for any hidden weapons. It is important to note that opting for a physical search will take considerably longer than the regular screening process, so pregnant women who choose this option should arrive at the airport early to allow for the extra time.
Additionally, pregnant women should keep in mind that the effects of flying on their bodies may be different from those of non-pregnant women. For example, there may be slightly less oxygen available on a plane, which can cause a temporary increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Cramped seating conditions can also increase the risk of developing blood clots during pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to take periodic standing or stretching breaks, stay hydrated, and consider wearing compression socks or tights to support blood flow and minimize swelling.
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They emit low-intensity non-ionizing radiation
Many pregnant women worry about airport security checks and fear that the radiation waves from body scanners may be harmful to the growing baby. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that "all screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is safe for all travelers, including women who are pregnant".
Body scanners at airports emit low-intensity non-ionizing 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 scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation similar to that used by wireless data transmitters in the extremely high-frequency (EHF) radio band, which is a lower frequency than visible light. The waves have a penetration depth of about one millimeter, meaning they can pass through clothing but are reflected by the body. Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use low-dose ionizing radiation to detect suspicious metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing or in the cavities of the human body.
While the health risks posed by millimeter wave scanners are still being studied and the evidence is mixed, these scanners do not generate ionizing radiation. In addition, several radiation safety authorities, including the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, The Health Physics Society, and the American College of Radiology, have stated that they are "not aware of any evidence" that full-body scans are unsafe. The UK Health Protection Agency has also issued a statement that the radiation dose from backscatter scanners is very low and "about the same as one hour of background radiation".
Despite these assurances, some people may still prefer to avoid on-person screening technology at airport checkpoints. In such cases, travelers can opt for a pat-down search, where a female security officer will run her hand along the body, especially the breasts and belly, to check for the presence of any hidden weapons.
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X-ray machines should be avoided
Although airport scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women, some sources advise pregnant women to avoid X-ray machines. While modern X-ray machines at airport security checks are said to be safe for pregnant people, some doctors advise against going through them. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), all screening equipment at airport security checkpoints is safe for all travelers, including pregnant women. The TSA notes that the scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves that reflect off the body and do not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus.
Despite these assurances, some pregnant women may still prefer to avoid X-ray machines out of an abundance of caution. In that case, they can opt for a pat-down search instead. During a pat-down search, a female security officer will run her hands along the pregnant woman's body, including her breasts and belly, to check for any hidden weapons or prohibited items. This option ensures that pregnant women can avoid X-ray exposure while still complying with airport security measures.
It is worth noting that millimeter-wave scanners and X-ray backscatter scanners, the two types of airport scanners commonly used, do not use X-rays to produce an image. Instead, they utilize non-ionizing radiation, which is considered safe for pregnant women and their babies. This type of radiation does not penetrate the skin and does not have enough energy to cause damage to the cells of a pregnant person or fetus.
However, it is always advisable for pregnant women to consult with their gynecologists or healthcare providers before planning air travel to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. While airport X-ray machines are generally believed to be safe, seeking personalized medical advice can provide pregnant women with additional reassurance and guidance specific to their unique circumstances.
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Pat-down searches are an alternative
While airport scanners are considered safe for pregnant women, some pregnant travellers may still feel uncomfortable with the idea of stepping into a full-body scanner. The good news is that you can opt for a physical pat-down search instead. This means that a female security officer will run her hands along your body to check for any hidden weapons or potential threats. The officer will pay close attention to areas like your breasts and belly, and you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing during the process.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States assures travellers that all screening equipment at airport checkpoints is safe for everyone, including pregnant women. The two main types of scanners used in US airports are millimeter-wave scanners and X-ray backscatter scanners. Both of these scanners emit low-intensity, non-ionizing radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm a growing foetus.
Despite these assurances, some pregnant women may still prefer to avoid this screening technology. In such cases, a pat-down search is an alternative option. It's important to note that you cannot skip security screening altogether, even if you choose to forgo the body scanner. This means that opting out of the body scanner may result in a more lengthy and invasive search process.
If you're pregnant and planning to travel by air, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor or gynecologist beforehand to ensure the safety and comfort of both yourself and your baby. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline about their specific rules and restrictions for pregnant travellers, as these may vary.
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Flying while pregnant has other risks
While occasional air travel is generally considered safe for pregnant women, there are some risks to be aware of. Firstly, long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). This risk can be mitigated by staying hydrated, moving around regularly (every 30 minutes), and wearing compression or support stockings.
Secondly, the in-cabin environmental conditions, such as changes in pressure and low humidity, can cause adaptations in the pregnant body, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a significant decrease in aerobic capacity. These conditions can contribute to the risk of lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events. To minimise these risks, it is recommended to use support stockings, move the lower extremities periodically, avoid restrictive clothing, and stay adequately hydrated.
Thirdly, while the risk is considered negligible, there is a chance of exposure to cosmic radiation during air travel. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and the International Commission on Radiological Protection have set a maximum annual radiation exposure limit of 1 millisievert (mSv) for the general public and 1 mSv over a 40-week pregnancy. While even the longest intercontinental flights will not exceed this limit, pregnant crew members or frequent flyers may be at a higher risk of exposure.
Lastly, air travel may not be advisable during the early stages of pregnancy due to nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Additionally, the risk of miscarriage is higher during the first 3 months, and travelling during the final months can be tiring and uncomfortable. Therefore, many women find that the best time to travel is during mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before travelling to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport body scanners are safe for pregnant women. They 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.
Yes, pregnant women can opt out of the body scanner at the airport. However, they will need to undergo a pat-down search, where a female security officer will run her hands along the pregnant woman's body, including her breasts and belly, to check for any hidden weapons.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, and the cramped seating conditions on planes can increase this risk. It is recommended that pregnant women reduce the amount of time spent on planes, especially for international or long-haul flights. Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly domestically up to 36 weeks of gestation.
