Are Airport Scanners Safe in Pregnancy?
Yes. The body scanners at U.S. checkpoints use non-ionizing millimeter waves, not X-rays, so they do not expose you or the baby to the kind of radiation that raises concern. The TSA and the FDA's radiation-safety center consider them safe for everyone, including pregnant travelers. If you would still rather skip the machine, you can always opt out and ask for a pat-down.
What the scanner actually does
The walk-in scanner you stand inside with your arms up is called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). U.S. airports use the millimeter-wave version, which bounces low-energy radio waves off your body to build a generic outline that flags hidden objects. It does not use X-rays and does not send radiation into your body.
This matters because the radiation that can affect a developing baby is ionizing radiation, the type in X-rays and CT scans. Millimeter waves are non-ionizing, the same broad category as the signals from a phone or a wireless router. TSA notes the energy is a tiny fraction of a single cell-phone transmission, and the FDA's radiation-safety center has reviewed the technology and found it safe for the public, including pregnant travelers.
Non-ionizing energy at these levels does not carry enough power to damage DNA or reach the baby in any meaningful way. That is the core reason the major safety agencies treat the scanner as a non-issue in pregnancy, while still respecting that some people would rather opt out.
Why people get confused
Years ago, some airports used a different machine, the backscatter unit, which did use a very low dose of X-rays. Those were removed from U.S. airports in 2013. The lingering memory of "airport X-ray scanners" is where most of the worry comes from today.
Walk-through metal detectors, the open doorway you step through, also use no X-rays. They generate a low-level magnetic field and are likewise considered safe in pregnancy.
Myth vs. fact
| You may have heard | What is actually true |
|---|---|
| "The scanner uses X-rays." | The millimeter-wave scanner uses non-ionizing radio waves, not X-rays. |
| "It is unsafe for the baby." | TSA and the FDA's radiation-safety center consider it safe for everyone, including pregnant travelers. |
| "It is like getting a chest X-ray." | The energy is thousands of times less than one cell-phone transmission; there is no ionizing dose. |
| "I have no choice but to go through it." | You can opt out at any time and request a pat-down instead. |
| "The metal detector is risky in pregnancy." | Walk-through metal detectors use a low magnetic field, not X-rays, and are considered safe. |
Your options at the checkpoint
You are in control of how you are screened:
- Walk through the millimeter-wave scanner as normal - the typical, fastest choice
- Opt out and request a pat-down by a same-gender officer, done in public or in a private room with a witness
- Ask questions; officers screen pregnant travelers routinely and can explain each step
- Carry breast milk, formula, or juice for a baby in "reasonable quantities" above the usual liquid limit - declare it for separate screening
If you would still rather not
Choosing a pat-down does not mean you think the machine is dangerous; some travelers simply prefer it, and that is fine. The pat-down is a hands-on check by an officer of the same gender and adds only a few minutes. You will not be pressured to explain why.
Bottom line: there is no medical reason to avoid the scanner in pregnancy, and there is no penalty for opting out. Either path is a reasonable, safe choice. The scanner does not replace prenatal care, so keep your routine visits and bring any travel-related worry to your OB or provider rather than the checkpoint.
Ask for a pat-down, or talk to your OB or provider, if
- You would simply feel calmer not using the scanner - opt out and request a pat-down, no reason needed
- An officer cannot answer your questions about the equipment to your satisfaction
- You have a specific medical device or condition and are unsure how screening applies - ask the officer and your provider
- You are carrying breast milk, formula, or juice for a baby - declare it for separate screening rather than the standard liquid limit
- You feel faint, dizzy, or unwell standing in line - tell an officer and sit down; this is about how you feel, not the machine
Reflects TSA and FDA screening-safety guidance, 2024-2026. If you have specific concerns, raise them with your OB or provider.
Related questions
- Should I tell the TSA officer I am pregnant?
- You do not have to, but it is fine to mention it, especially if you want a pat-down instead of the scanner. Officers screen pregnant travelers every day and can walk you through the options.
- Is the walk-through metal detector safe in pregnancy?
- Yes. Metal detectors use a low-level magnetic field, not X-rays, and are considered safe for pregnant travelers and the baby.
- Can I bring breast milk or formula through security?
- Yes. TSA allows breast milk, formula, and baby food in reasonable quantities beyond the 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Remove them from your bag and tell the officer so they can be screened separately.
- Did airports ever use X-ray body scanners?
- Yes, older backscatter units used a very low X-ray dose, but they were pulled from U.S. airports in 2013. Today's millimeter-wave machines use no X-rays.
- How does a pat-down work if I opt out?
- An officer of the same gender does a hands-on check, in public or privately with a witness if you prefer. It takes a few minutes, and you do not need to justify the request.
Sources & further reading
ParentFlow: one free app, newborn to age six
ParentFlow is a free baby tracker that logs feeds, sleep, diapers, pumping and growth in one tap, with your daily summary, trends, and reminders based on your own logs. Free for everyday tracking on iPhone, Android, and the web.
App Store Google Play Open Web AppThis article reflects current AAP, CDC, FDA, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.