Are Airport Scanners Safe During Pregnancy?

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These scanners emit low-intensity radiation that is usually not harmful to pregnant women.

Dr Neha Singh has over eight years of experience as a gynaecologist and more than four years experience as an IVF specialist and endoscopic surgeon. She won an award for her paper on ‘Maternal & Child Health' in UPCOG 2016.She is a senior consultant and clinical head at NOVA IVF, Gorakhpur, India. Read full bio of Dr. Neha Singh

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Most pregnant women worry about airport security checks and fear that being exposed to airport security scanners during pregnancy is not safe. They fear that the radiation waves from these body scanners may be harmful to the growing baby.

The security scanners are generally of advanced technology, and the rays produced by these machines are of low intensity and do not penetrate the skin, thus they cause no harm to the fetus (1). However, if you are still worried about your baby’s safety, you may take necessary precautions and even request security professionals for a physical search.

Read on to know more about the different types of airport security scanners and their effects on pregnancy.

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Airport scanners are the most advanced screening technology to detect potential threats hidden within a person’s body or clothing. It detects metallic as well as non-metallic items including knives, explosive devices, and weapons (2).

The two basic kinds of scanners typically used in airports are (3):

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Before you pass through the airport scanner, under airport guidelines and regulations, you could be asked to remove all your personal assets, including wallets, tissue paper, identity cards, mobile phones, and boarding pass. You must also remove accessories like jewelry, jackets, belts, shoes, and bulky clothes.

You will then have to step onto the scanner device and stand with both your hands raised above your head level for approximately two to three seconds until the instrument captures the image. The screening officer reviews your scan results while you can then collect your personal belongings.

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Yes, according to researchers, airport scanning procedures that use metal detectors are considered safe for pregnant women. Whether it is a backscatter scanner or a millimeter radio-wave one, you can safely pass through them during your pregnancy.

The backscatter scanners use a low-frequency electromagnetic wave to detect the hidden objects or weapons inside a person’s dress. Due to the low-intensity x-ray, exposure to an airport scanner can cause no harm to your growing fetus. The scanner sees through the traveler’s clothing but not the skin. Due to the low penetration level of the electromagnetic wave, it can cause no harm to your body.

The millimeter-wave scanners, too, reflect away from your skin surface and cannot penetrate through it. Such waves can cause no harm to both you and your unborn baby.

The Radiation Protection Standard sets a maximum permissible exposure level for the public, including pregnant mothers and children.

However, if you have concerns over the safety of the scanners or feel uncomfortable passing through them, you can ask the security professionals for a physical ‘pat-down’ search (4).

When you opt for a physical pat-down search, a female security officer runs her hand along your entire body, especially your breasts and belly, to check the presence of any hidden weapons.

Make sure to reach the airport early, as the pat-down takes considerably longer time than the regular screening process.

It is important to seek permission from your gynecologist before you plan a flight journey, especially if you have any health concerns. They will provide valuable advice and guidance depending on your health condition.

Here are some crucial tips that you should try to adhere when you travel during pregnancy (5) (6):

Image: IStock

Image: Shutterstock

How was your experience with security scanner at airports during pregnancy? Did you observe any discomfort while being scanned? If you have opted a pat-down, how convenient was that? Share your experiences here!

1. How does radiation affect my fetus?

Radiation beyond the permissible exposure level set by the Radiation Protection Standard may adversely affect the growing fetus. The potential health hazards of prenatal radiation exposure depend on the amount and period of the exposure, ranging from intellectual and physical disabilities at birth to a risk of cancer development (7).

2. Can my baby absorb radiation from me?

A growing baby inside a fetus can absorb radiation from their mother (7). However, scanners installed at airports are entirely safe for pregnant women.

3. Can airport scanners see my baby when I am pregnant?

Airport scanners do not use X-rays to produce an image, so they cannot see your baby (8).

The effects of airport security scanners on pregnancy are not harmful as they use low-intensity rays that can penetrate through the clothes but not the skin. However, if you are anyhow uncomfortable exposing yourself to the ultraviolet rays while pregnant, you could quickly request a physical frisk by the security personnel. Remember to stay hydrated during the journey and ensure your comfort at all times. If you are in your third trimester, close to your delivery date, or have a high-risk pregnancy, it is best advised that you avoid traveling unless it is an emergency and you have the approval of your doctor.

There are many dos and don’ts that come with flying while pregnant, and the airport security check safety worry could be added to the list for some women. So, check out the infographic below to learn about different security checks available in the airport and if and how they are safe for pregnant women.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Are you wondering if it is safe for you to fly when pregnant? Find out the risks of air travel during pregnancy in this informative video.

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