Flying while pregnant and security

skruhmin

So I'm taking 2 trips in the next 3 weeks. Last pregnancy I opted for the TSA pat down rather than going through the screening. Would you pat down or just do normal security check?

red3ye

If it were just the once, maybe screening, but with multiple flights go with the pat down? Sorry, not real sure as to the risks involved in their screening

JesD19

I'm a fight attendant and I go through the normal screening pretty regularly. There aren't any risks that I am aware of.

blueeyedrose86

By normal screening, do you mean the metal detector or xray? I always do the metal detector, but skip the xray and opt for the finger swab instead. They usually automatically direct me there, ever since my first pregnancy and then with a baby.

skruhmin

I'm talking the xray

SarahJean1014

I've flown about 6 times so far since finding out I was expecting and have opted for the pat down. It takes about 5 extra minutes and all the tsa ladies have been so nice. JFK was the best and let me go through the metal detector. Since your going through with small kids they might give you that option as well.

JesD19

I do the normal medical detector mostly but I have gone through the X-ray a couple of times while pregnant.

JesD19

This might be helpful https://blog.tsa.gov/2014/07/tsa-travel-tips-for-pregnant-passengers.html?m=1

skruhmin

Thank you, that does help a lot.

CCLow87

I always just go through whatever. Sometimes they tell me to go to the regular machine, sometimes just the metal detector. When I was pregnant with my son in Washington DC, every security guard had me bypass metal detectors all together at museums, etc. 

irenewslee

I just flew last week and will be flying again this coming weekend. I always just opt for the metal detector and not xray. When I travel with DD, they always direct me to the metal detector and hand swap anyway. When travelling alone, I just tell them I'm pregnant and they know what to do. 

shacerouge

Thanks @skruhmin for this post! I will be flying in a couple months and I hadn't even considered this!

ecwk

I go through metal detector and get a pat down instead of X-ray. Really a personal choice, I don't think you can go too far wrong either way!

FutureMrsCaesar

I also do the metal detector and pat down.  It doesn't take that much longer and makes me feel better.

SummerGrl15

I just flew this week. They were sending everyone through the x ray machine and not the metal detectors so I asked for a pat down instead. I've heard the risk of the x ray machine in minimal, but being a FTM, I didn't want to take the chance.

mb0112

When I flew at 8 weeks I asked if I could go through metal detector instead of X-ray and told the reason. I saw parents with toddlers go through that instead of X-ray so I thought all I had to do was ask.

The agent asked if I had a red stamp on my ticket from security and I didn't, so he couldn't let me opt for the metal detector. I did the pat down instead. They tell you both machines are safe but I have my doubts and it's easy enough to skip it.

I'm still wondering what I should have done to get the magic red stamp.

CCLow87

I fly at least a few times a month and I haven't seen a backscatter x-ray machine in a loooong time. Every airport I've visited, all over the US, has switched to millimeter wave scanners instead which use non-ionizing radiationw which has no adverse affects.

This is a MMW scanner which I'm guessing is what most of you see in security when you fly:

Edited to add: As of 2013, they have removed ALL x-ray screening for passengers (out bags still get the rays!). Obviously it's your choice wether to avoid them or not, but I personally like to be informed and use correct terminology, so metal detector or not, EVERYONE automatically opts out of the x-ray machines now. 

Edited to also add: I think toddlers and little kids go through the metal detector because they can't stand still long enough for the machine to rotate around them. Not for any safety measures. But I can't say that for sure.

kynbar5

I'd bypass the x-ray machine (mmw scanner) whatever they want to call it because honestly everything begins as "safe". I mean, there did used to be a time when pregnant women got actual x-rays at the dr. Now we know that's definitely not a good thing. I'd always rather be safe than sorry. Give me a good ol' pat down please.

CCLow87

@kynbar5 I agree, I avoid them at times too if it's an option, I'm just saying that calling them x-Ray machines may freak some people out that don't know any better, when that, plain and simple, just isn't what they are.

chime

I just flew to and from Rhode Island this week and did the pat down. I'm sure it's totally safe to be scanned but I can say with 100% certainty, regardless of future studies, that a pat down is safe. If I were possibly going to miss my flight, I may just go through the scanner but if I know I have time I request a pat down.

Also, I try to make it as easy as I can for the TSA agent doing it too because it's not like they're excited to bump your crotch and fondle your breasts. I clearly follow directions, no attitude and always say thank you. I hate seeing rude women complain about how the process goes for a pat down. It's not fun for them either, you know? It has to be thorough. They're not doing it to cop a feel.

KatieintheCity

No plans to fly this pregnancy, but I flew with my last one and just went through the regular screening. Unless I was flying a LOT (like, several times a week) I wouldn't think twice about it. IIRC, you're actually exposed to more radiation IN the plane than you are going through the scanner. 

mommytobe2122

I used plane for a couple of times during my pregnancy so far and I didn't go through the security, they control over my dresses with hand that's all. And about the flight they were so short so I didn't even need to walk inside the plane. But as I know for blood circulation you need to walk every 40-60 minutes.. I am planning to fly again at November this time it will be a 4 hours flight.. I am pretty sure you will be safe have a nice trip!

Trance1861

My obgyn said no X-rays for me! Metal detectors are ok though. She gave me a note to bring with me to show TSA saying I was cleared to fly, but cannot go through the x-Ray. She also made me wear compression thigh highs when flying.

CCLow87

Trance1861 said:

My obgyn said no X-rays for me! Metal detectors are ok though. She gave me a note to bring with me to show TSA saying I was cleared to fly, but cannot go through the x-Ray. She also made me wear compression thigh highs when flying.

You should just avoid flying altogether then.

ETA: additional link from science daily.. About the old machines even. New ones produce even less/none.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130627151642.htm

klantzer21

blueeyedrose86 said:

By normal screening, do you mean the metal detector or xray? I always do the metal detector, but skip the xray and opt for the finger swab instead. They usually automatically direct me there, ever since my first pregnancy and then with a baby.

Flew in august. Mom had to do xray and finger swab.

mrssandoval13

I'm 15 weeks and I just flew today. I was super nervous about opting out of the full body scan, but in the end the TSA agents were for the most part very understanding and nice about the whole thing. Did the pat down and it only took about 5 extra minutes. I'd get there extra early if you plan on going this route. The first TSA agent I asked (who was checking IDs and boarding passes) seemed kind of annoyed and said it was perfectly safe for pregnant women, but it was up to me. He then told me it might take a while because it was in the middle of a shift change and I'd have to wait for a female assist. (This was at 1:15 pm PST) He said to tell the agent near the full body scan machine who was directing people to go through. That agent was super kind and told me, "Oh no problem ma'am, you take care of yourself and that little baby!" He got me a female assist very easily. The female agent was very nice as well. She walked me through the whole process before doing it and then while she was doing it. The only thing that caught me off guard was having to lift up my shirt in the back and front to the waist band so she could feel around the band. LoL

oceanchild

@skruhmin i hope the airport was uneventful and your beach trip is a blast! i doubt you're Bumping, but have fun - a bit jealous over here

Actually Ashley

I've been asking for pat downs just because, especially with the new technology, there isn't a known risk, but if you're extra conservative, that's enough to say get the pat down. All your choice, though. Have a safe flight!

amaniupendo

My main advice is to be careful with jeggings. I flew a few months ago with jeggings (hue) and I thought I would have to strip because the wand buzzed the entire time over my legs. I got the most thorough pat down yet that day.