I've been reading on the news about the TSA and travel procedures. Now, we are trying to get pregnant so there's this uncertainty of whether I will indeed be pregnant by the time we plan to travel in Jan 2011. But I'm now concerned and nervous about the scans at the airports. I've never given it a thought before but is it ok for pregnant women? Aren't pregnant women supposed to avoid X-ray machines? I'd rather be body searched than go through a scan if it is safer. Is that an option or am I being too naive? I've been patted down at the airport before but I've heard stories of people having to remove clothing and getting touched inside the genital areas. Do the searches really get that bad?
Update: I must somehow fall under the 3% because I've traveled by air about 5 times the last year and I pretty much went through the body scan or got patted down every time. Not once have I set off a metal detector. Always been told I've been randomly selected for extra security.
There's too many unknowns at this time for me to be comfortable. We are stopping our baby plans for now. Birth defects are not apparent immediately. That's why parents are allowed to sue until their kids are 21. I don't think that being searched is molestation because the other party is not enjoying it. It's part of their job. I'm all for increased security. I just want to be informed. Thank-you for your time.
I went through the body scan 2x while pregnant with my daughter earlier this year, and she is perfectly fine and healthy.
It's really not worth the immense drama that people are creating about all of this. Especially if you only fly once in a awhile.
Per Good Morning America, literally as i write this- less than 3% of people get the scans, and you can avoid them by not setting off the metal detectors. they did mention underwires in bras. just make sure you have no metal on you. if in doubt call the airlines or the airport. people need to inform themselves before they freak out. all the uproar is a little ridiculous imo.
also, we allow someone to invade our personal space (understatement of the year!) in the gynocologists' office for our health - is it really so different to allow someone to touch us, for the safety of ourselves and everyone else who flies on airplanes? not saying it's fun or any of us would choose it, but 3% of people...really...is it that big of a deal? they're just doing their jobs, it's not like they enjoy it any more than we would.
i do NOT trust the TSA's assertion that the radiation in the scan is negligible. they're the same folks who told us the images couldn't/wouldn't be stored. the images are clear and detailed. that requires a good dose of hot ions.
no way would i subject a fetus to that.
it's unlikely that the pat-down would be anything worse than you've already encountered, but possible. the pop and squeak is starting to have an effect and the TSA is starting to make weak noises about being less intrusive. at least they're not up to poking around body cavities yet.
in your case i'd opt out of the scan.
khairete
S.
I think it's crazy you have to decide between being molested or getting radiated just to fly. Since you don't have a choice I guess being molested is better. I hear the radiation isn't good for anyone though. Good luck whatever you decide.
I would just opt for the pat down. Think of it as a trip to the doctors office - a little uncomfortable for you, but, IMO, worth it to keep you safe.
And, while they probably will touch everywhere, it should be OVER your clothing.
Good luck!
There are NEW procedures for pat downs -- yes, they are more invasive and expected to continue until the new year but groups are fighting against them because they are borderline molestation. They MUST tell you what they are going to do BEFORE they do it. But, it does involve touching the breasts and genital area and buttocks of women and men and reaching inside the waistband of baggy pants for both sexes. I am pregnant, traveling from O'Hare in December for a wedding (and they have the new body scanners here) and will be opting for the pat down rather than subjecting my baby to the x-ray. You have the option to ask for a private screening but I worry that the screening may be even more invasive if done in some closed room. Please check out the TSA website and articles on the pat down procedures that just started this month before you travel so you know what to expect.
personally i would opt out.
Explain why if they request you to go through it and see what happens
Prior to the full body scans I have had to go thru the pat-down search as my number was up, those who are randomly selected for that extra precaution. I was asked to take my suit jacket or hoodie off. They used the wand to scan for metal and did a brief pat down, never touching my crouch area. I would ask for the pat down rather than the full body scan if I thought there was a chance I was pregnant. Even the dentist asks if you could be pregnant when they x-ray your mouth, so it's a wise precaution. When you buy your tickets online from the airlines you can opt in for a background check to help expedite things, so when you check in the ticket agent flags your ticket differently, ie so you avoid the extra screening. I learned this in the past 18 months as it seemed I was always being pulled aside as well.
Wherever you're flying to, have a great time!!
If you are that concerned about radiation then you should not fly at all the back scatter body scans are equal to the amount you are exposed to during 2 minutes of flight and the millimeter wave scan emits less then a cell phone
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/safety.shtm
edited:you do have the option to be patted down instead of going through the scan.
I have many experiences of going through the scans at the airports when I was pregnant. I let them know I'm pregnant and don't want to go through the x-ray. Even if they tell me it won't do me any harm, I still don't want to take a risk. So every time I get body searched. The people there are nice. I never have any bad experience. I think they understand. Just let them know your concern. Good luck!
it sucks that you have to choose, but you can opt out for a pat down instead. Just tell them that you are afraid of the radiation and they should be understanding.
All you have to do is tell the people that you're pregnant and you don't have to go through the X ray machines.
Best option? Opt out. It is worth it if for no other reason than your peace of mind, knowing that your baby is ok. If something inappropriate happens during a pat down, file a formal complaint.
