Are Airport Scanners Safe For Pregnant Women? | Your Guide

Airport security scanners, particularly the widely used millimeter wave technology, are generally considered safe for pregnant women due to their non-ionizing radiation.

Traveling while pregnant brings a unique set of considerations, and navigating airport security is often high on the list of concerns. It’s natural to want to ensure every step of your journey is as safe and comfortable as possible for both you and your baby. Understanding the security screening process can help alleviate worries and empower you to make choices that suit your comfort level.

Understanding Airport Security Scanners

When you approach airport security, you’ll typically encounter one of two primary screening methods for passengers: advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners or traditional metal detectors. The AIT scanners are the most common at major airports and utilize different technologies to detect prohibited items.

The goal of these systems is to enhance security by identifying items that might be concealed under clothing without requiring physical contact. Each technology operates on distinct principles, which is key to understanding their safety profiles for pregnant travelers.

Millimeter Wave (MMW) Scanners: The Standard

The vast majority of advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners currently in use at airports are Millimeter Wave (MMW) systems. These scanners operate by emitting very low-energy radio waves, which are a form of non-ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation is fundamentally different from X-rays. It’s the same type of energy used in everyday technologies like cell phones and Wi-Fi. The waves reflect off the body, creating an outline that security officers analyze for anomalies. The energy does not penetrate the body or cause changes at the cellular level.

According to the TSA, these systems are safe for all passengers, including pregnant women, because they do not use X-rays. The exposure from a single scan is minimal, comparable to the radio waves you encounter daily.

X-ray Backscatter Scanners: Phasing Out

While historically present in some airports, X-ray backscatter scanners are largely phased out of use in the United States and have been replaced by MMW technology. These systems did use a very low dose of ionizing radiation, similar to a dental X-ray, but significantly less than a medical chest X-ray.

Concerns were raised about any amount of ionizing radiation, especially for pregnant women. However, even when in use, authorities stated the dose was well within safe limits. With the widespread adoption of MMW scanners, the likelihood of encountering a backscatter unit is now very low.

The Hand-Wand Metal Detector: A Different Approach

If you opt out of the AIT scanner or if one is unavailable, you will typically go through a walk-through metal detector or be screened with a hand-held metal detector (also known as a “wand”). These devices work by generating an electromagnetic field.

When metal passes through this field, it disrupts the magnetic waves, triggering an alarm. There is no radiation involved with metal detectors, either walk-through or hand-held. They are widely considered safe for pregnant individuals and have been used for decades without documented concerns related to pregnancy.

Opting for a Pat-Down: Your Rights and Process

As a traveler, you always have the right to decline screening by an advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanner. If you choose this option, you will instead undergo a pat-down search by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO).

The pat-down is a thorough physical inspection designed to detect any prohibited items. You can request that the pat-down be conducted in a private screening area, away from public view. The pat-down will always be performed by a TSO of the same gender as the passenger.

For pregnant travelers, communicating your pregnancy to the TSO can help them conduct the pat-down with appropriate consideration for your comfort and any sensitive areas. You can ask for a modified pat-down if you have specific concerns, though the TSO must still ensure a thorough and effective screening.

Expert & Regulatory Guidance on Pregnancy and Scanners

Major health organizations and regulatory bodies consistently advise that the radiation exposure from airport security scanners, particularly MMW units, is negligible and poses no known risk to pregnant women or their fetuses. This consensus stems from extensive research and evaluation of the technology.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates electronic products that emit radiation, has stated that MMW scanners meet health and safety standards. Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) also align with these findings, reassuring pregnant travelers.

The CDC provides general guidance on radiation exposure, emphasizing that the doses from such devices are extremely low, far below levels that would be of concern during pregnancy. The brief exposure time further reduces any theoretical risk.

Practical Tips for Pregnant Travelers at Security

Preparation can significantly ease your experience at airport security. Before your trip, it’s always wise to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your health and pregnancy stage.

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, you can inform a Transportation Security Officer that you are pregnant. This allows them to provide any specific instructions or accommodations. You have the option to choose between the AIT scanner or a pat-down. If you have any metal implants or specific medical conditions, mention these to the officer as well.

Allowing extra time for security is always a good idea, especially when traveling pregnant. This reduces stress and provides flexibility if you decide to opt for a different screening method. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and slip-on shoes can also make the process smoother.