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Can you go through airport scanners when pregnant?

All screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is safe for all travelers, including women who are pregnant.



Yes, you can safely go through modern airport security scanners while pregnant. In 2026, the primary technology used in most international airports is the millimeter-wave scanner (the "booth" where you raise your arms). This technology uses non-ionizing radiofrequency waves, which are similar to the signals used by cell phones or Wi-Fi; they do not use X-rays and do not penetrate the skin, posing no risk to the fetus. Traditional walk-through metal detectors are also safe, as they utilize low-frequency electromagnetic fields that do not involve ionizing radiation. Even the older "backscatter" X-ray machines (which have been largely phased out in many countries) used such a negligible dose of radiation that it was considered safe by most medical associations. However, if you feel uncomfortable or have a high-risk pregnancy, you always have the legal right to request a manual pat-down instead of passing through any machine. TSA and other security agencies are trained to accommodate such requests respectfully. Most doctors recommend that pregnant travelers focus more on staying hydrated and moving their legs during the flight to prevent blood clots rather than worrying about the brief exposure at the security checkpoint.

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All our machines receive a variety of tests to ensure they are safe. They DO NOT use X-rays to produce an image. Still not comfortable? You can always opt out and request a pat-down.

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During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.

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Certain groups are more likely to get upgraded than others. Honeymooners and pregnant women are high on the list, with birthday celebrants not far behind. Solo travellers or couples willing to sit separately stand the best chance of an upgrade.

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After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when pregnant and flying The risk of DVT increases when you're flying and with longer flights because you are sitting down for a long time. You're also at a higher risk of developing a DVT when you are pregnant and for up to six weeks after you give birth .

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Backscatter scanners are commonly used at airports in the US and Europe. These scanners can detect metal and non-metal objects beneath clothing and in bags. Whether food items, jewelry, makeup, keys, or even hair ties and wipes, the backscatter scanner can pick things present beneath the layers.

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If you have a straightforward pregnancy and are healthy, there is no evidence that the changes in air pressure and/or the decrease in humidity have a harmful effect on you or your baby. There is no evidence that flying will cause miscarriage, early labour or your waters to break.

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Air travel does not seem to be harmful to pregnancy, and it is generally considered to be safe; thus most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly until the 36th week of their gestational age.

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Doctors do recommend that pregnant women with some types of health conditions — like high blood pressure (hypertension) or blood clots; or a history of miscarriage, premature labor, ectopic pregnancy, or other prenatal problems — not travel by air.

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recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing. breathlessness at rest. unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)

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Some airlines require written documentation from your practice nurse, midwife or obstetrician. This is to confirm you are in good health, that your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your due date. Flying during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may be considered risky as miscarriage is more common during this early stage.

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Can you see a tampon during an airport body scan? This is a frequently asked question on Google, and if it's something you're worried about, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Airport body scanners can't see inside the body and therefore can't detect a tampon on a TSA female body scan image.

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When a body scanner repeatedly highlights a specific area, such as the crotch, it may be due to a variety of factors, including: Clothing and Fabric: Certain types of clothing, fabrics, or folds in clothing can create the appearance of an anomaly in the crotch area on the scanner's image.

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If there is a threat, a red box will appear on the outline at the location of the object. If there is no threat, an OK will appear on the screen without an outline. It will also allow the passengers to see what the TSA agents see when they step through the scanner.

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