Why isn't it safe 4 a pregnant girl 2 walk through metal detectors?

Question

Because when i go to school every day i use 2 wlk through the metal detectors because i didint know that i wasnt sopposed 2 until a security guard asked me do you go throught the metal detectors i told her yae and she said to stop because it isnt safe 4 the baby

Answer 1

Ask your doctor if it's really safe or not.

Answer 2

Don't worry.

Metal detectors do not emit ionizing radiation (like x-rays) that could potentially harm a fetus. Rather they use low level radio waves that pass through the body and interact only if they encounter metal. There is no credible data that exposure to this kind of radiation is harmful. In fact recent tests with cell phones (which emit similar low-level radiation) have debunked earlier studies suggesting otherwise.

The same thing goes for the wands they use when you are called aside to be inspected further.

What you probably should avoid are the newer equipment being installed at some airports which do use low level ionizing radiation to take a picture of the whole body. While these are said to be safe, there are few extensive studies yet to confirm his. You can always insist on a physical inspection instead.

There are also luggage/carry-on x-ray devices used for screening. They are generally well-shielded and inspected to protect the people who work around them daily. Still, you can be extra safe by passing by them as quickly as possible and picking up your screened luggage down the line.

You are right to be concerned about your baby. For answers to similar questions about other screening exposure, see the reference below.

Answer 3

I've never heard that it isn't safe. I go through metal detectors at the airport whenever I travel and they've told me it poses no harm to the baby.

Answer 4

Actually, it isn't safe for _anyone_ to walk through metal detectors. If you do the rent-a-cop standing nearby is likely to hear the beep and take away your pistol so you'll have nothing to defend yourself (or your baby) with when you are attacked by a mugger or a pit bull off its leash on the walk home.

Answer 5

The rays from the metal detector is harmful for the baby's development it's just like getting a x ray.

Answer 6

"Would going through a metal detector injure my baby?
Airport or other metal detectors do not emit any harmful radiation and will not hurt you or your baby. If you are still concerned about going through these machines, one possibility is to request that you be hand searched by a female security officer instead. "
http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/pregnancy/faq10.cfm#j

Answer 7

I asked my OB about going through the metal detectors at the airport b/c we were traveling while i was pregnant. She said it was ok. Metal detectors are not x-rays. But discuss it with your OB if you're concerned.

Answer 8

Many women fear that metal detectors will cause their unborn foetus harm. Well, metal detectors are nothing but magnetic field rays, they cannot cause you any harm….. How can they then cause someone she’s living inside the safe confines of your body any harm? Worry not and breeze your way through them without a fear!

Answer 9

yikes! i don't know, but i walked through LOTs of metal detectors at the airport when i was just a few weeks pregnant. i don't think pregnant women are exempt from the metal detectors at airports, anyway. i don't know. i hope they're safe, and maybe your security guard is just confused.

Answer 10

Because it triggers the babys nerve and could hurt the baby as the metal would give the baby a electric shock which may lead to a painfull birth for you and the baby

Answer 11

I've never heard that it isn't safe, but I know the dentist can't even x-ray your teeth when you're pregnant. Better ask the Dr.