Owais Crawford
Passing through airport security while pregnant is generally considered safe, but it's important to be aware of potential risks and take any necessary precautions. While full-body scanners are considered safe for pregnant women, some may still feel uncomfortable and opt for a thorough hand search in a private room. Additionally, it's worth noting that the risk of going into labour increases after 37 weeks, and some airlines have policies restricting travel towards the end of pregnancy. Consulting a doctor before travelling is always a good idea, and taking precautions such as staying hydrated and moving regularly during the flight can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
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What You'll Learn
Full-body scanners are safe for pregnant women
Passing through full-body scanners at airport security is considered safe for pregnant women. These scanners use millimetre radio wave or backscatter technology to detect potential threats hidden within a person's clothing or body. They emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus. The level of radiation exposure is lower than that from a mobile phone and is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) states that security scanners pose no known risks to pregnant women or their fetuses. Similarly, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ensures that devices used at security checkpoints in US airports are safe for all travellers, including expectant mothers.
Despite the assurances from medical authorities and airport security agencies, some pregnant women may still have concerns or feel uncomfortable about using full-body scanners. In such cases, it is important to know that you have the right to refuse to step through a scanner. However, airport security staff will then conduct a thorough hand search in a private room as an alternative security measure before allowing you to board your flight.
It is always a good idea to consult with your gynecologist before planning air travel during pregnancy to ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby. Additionally, staying hydrated during the journey and taking necessary precautions, such as wearing compression stockings to prevent blood clots, are recommended for pregnant women who fly.
While airport security scanners are generally safe for pregnant women, it is important to be aware that individual experiences may vary depending on the airport and their specific protocols. Some airports may offer alternatives to full-body scanners, such as metal detectors or pat-downs, but these may not always be presented as options to travellers. Understanding your rights and the potential alternatives can help you make informed decisions when navigating airport security while pregnant.
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Alternative security checks
If you are concerned about passing through airport security while pregnant, you can request an alternative security check. Alternative security checks include:
Metal Detector Scan
You can request to pass through a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner. However, note that metal detectors have more radiation than full-body scanners.
Pat Down
You can request a standard pat-down instead of passing through a scanner. However, you may have to wait until someone is available to perform the pat-down, and the level of thoroughness of the pat-down may vary.
Hand Search in a Private Room
If you have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable about using a full-body scanner, you can refuse to step through one. In this case, airport security staff will perform a thorough hand search in a private room.
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Flying during the first trimester
When passing through airport security, you may be asked to remove or loosen some clothing. The level of radiation from full-body scanners is lower than that of a mobile phone and is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. Hand-held scanning wands are also safe. If you have concerns, you can refuse to use the full-body scanner, but you will need to be searched in a private room.
Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), so it's important to drink plenty of water and move about every 30 minutes. Graduated compression or support stockings can help reduce leg swelling and increase blood flow. Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses are not recommended during pregnancy, but some may be considered if the risk of infection is high. Check with your healthcare provider for advice on specific travel vaccinations and anti-malaria medication, as some are unsafe during pregnancy.
Before travelling, it's a good idea to check what healthcare facilities are available at your destination and ensure your travel insurance covers any pregnancy-related medical care. Take your maternity medical records with you in case you need urgent medical attention.
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Vaccines and medication
Vaccinations and medications are important considerations when travelling during pregnancy. It is recommended that you consult your doctor about any vaccinations you may need for your destination, as well as any medications that could be useful during your trip. For example, you may need a flu shot before travelling, and your doctor can advise on this.
It is important to keep your medications easily accessible in your carry-on luggage. This includes prenatal vitamins, any necessary medications, and also items like snacks and a water bottle. Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy, especially when flying, as the humidity levels in the plane can dehydrate you more quickly.
If you are taking any medications that are considered liquids, such as syrups or creams, you should check with the airport and your airline about any restrictions or allowances for carrying liquids through security.
In addition, if you are taking any medications that require injection, such as insulin, you should carry this medication in its original, clearly labelled packaging, along with a copy of your prescription. It is also advisable to have a letter from your doctor explaining your need for the medication and injection device.
When travelling, it is always a good idea to keep a list of the generic names for any medications you are taking, as brand names may differ in other countries. This can be helpful if you need to replace or refill a prescription while abroad.
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Travel insurance
Going through airport security while pregnant is generally considered safe. The full-body scanners used in airports use millimetre-wave imaging technology, which bounces waves off your body to detect potentially dangerous objects. This process exposes you to lower levels of radiation than your phone, which is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. Hand-held scanning wands and the screening machines used for luggage are also safe for pregnant women. However, you can refuse to use the full-body scanner and request a thorough hand search in a private room instead. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific procedures and requirements of the airports you will be travelling through.
Pregnant women should carefully review their travel insurance policies to understand their coverage and any exclusions related to pregnancy. While normal pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition or a covered reason for trip cancellation on most policies, complications may be covered. Some insurance providers, such as Allianz Global Assistance, offer plans that cover trip cancellation or interruption due to pregnancy, while others, like Travel Guard, provide access to 24-hour emergency travel assistance and benefits like trip exchange and baggage coverage.
It is important to maximise your coverage window by purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible. Additionally, certain airlines have specific rules regarding travel during pregnancy, which may require medical certificates or clearance from a specialist. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor and review your insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered for any pregnancy-related situations that may arise during your trip.
When travelling during pregnancy, it is recommended to have comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation coverage to provide financial protection in case of accidents, severe illness, or other unforeseen events. Plans that offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage, as well as the option to add a "cancel for any reason" rider, can provide additional peace of mind.
Finally, it is essential to be aware of the healthcare facilities at your destination and carry your maternity medical records with you. Understanding the potential risks associated with your destination, such as the Zika virus, is also crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is considered safe for pregnant women to go through airport security scanners. The level of radiation you are exposed to during this process is lower than you get from your phone. However, if you are uncomfortable with using a full-body scanner, you can request a standard pat-down or a metal detector scan instead.
It is recommended that you consult with a doctor before travelling to ensure you are fit to travel. You should also check with your airline about their policy on pregnant travellers, as some airlines may require a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and that you are not at risk of complications. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated and move about regularly during the flight to boost circulation.
It is important to be mindful of the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when travelling long distances. Wearing compression stockings and moving your legs and ankles regularly can help reduce the risk of DVT. It is also recommended that you find out about healthcare facilities at your destination and ensure that your travel insurance covers any pregnancy-related medical care.
