Airport Security Scanners and Pregnancy: Do They Go Along?

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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.

What Are Airport Scanners?

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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).

Different Types Of Airport Scanners

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

1. Millimeter Radio-wave Scanner:

• This particular type of scanner stands out at the airport, as the designing comprises a booth where the travelers had to stand with both their arms raised.

• Inside the cabin, the person’s body gets scanned via millimeter radio waves. The reflected waves are used for imaging purposes and are collected by the antennas to generate the image on the monitor.

• As the scanners do not make use of x-rays, they do not have any harmful impact on your growing fetus.

Did you know?

A millimeter wave scanner emits less radiation than a typical cellphone (2)

2. Backscatter Scanner:

• The backscatter scanner requires people to stand in between two large boxes by raising their arms.

• Inside the scanner device, the low-intensity x-rays capture the image of person’s body, within a few seconds.

• This scanner detects hidden objects under clothes or explosive items taped to the skin surface.

Quick fact

The amount of radiation received from the backscatter scanner equals the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight (2).

Procedure Involved In A Body Scan At Airports

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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.

Are Airport Scanners Safe During Pregnancy?

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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).

Process Involved In A Physical Pat-Down

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.

Tips To Have A Comfortable Flight Journey During Pregnancy

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 to during your travel (5) (6):

• When you are in the initial phase of pregnancy, you must be having morning sickness. The problems can get exacerbated on flights, with a strong urge to throw up. Carry a small bag to make it easier for you to vomit.

Image: IStock

• During long flight journeys, get up from your seat and walk around after every half an hour. It makes you feel good and prevents blood clots in your legs.

• To stay hydrated, try to sip a small amount of water at regular intervals.

Quick tip

Avoid consuming carbonated drinks before or during the flight, as the gas in fizzy drinks can expand at high altitudes and cause discomfort (5).

• Select the middle seats to have a smoother ride.

• You can ask for an aisle seat to get some extra space for your legs.

• When you go on long-distance flights, carry all the essential medications with you.

• Carry all the vital supplies along with you like a comfortable pillow, dry fruits for hunger pangs and a discrete bag for air sickness. With such preparation, you can stay assured to have a smoother air trip.

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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!

Infographic: Types And Safety Of Security Checks In An Airport

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.

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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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Dr. Neha SinghMS OB/GYN

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. She is also an assistant global coordinator...more

Manjiri Kochrekar

Manjiri is a freelance writer with experience in writing on a wide range of topics, including travel, education, yoga, and children’s activities, fun and learning. She is passionate about creative writing and loves to put her thoughts into words. Manjiri excels in breaking down complex information, ideas and aspects of life into simpler elements for an easy read.more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction. She writes health and wellness articles for children and pregnant and lactating women. Reshmi has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from MITS School of Biotechnology,...more