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Is it safe to pass through metal detectors in pregnancy?

Dr Ashok Khurana
Director, Genitourinary and Vascular Ultrasound,
The Ultrasound Lab,
New Delhi

Q: I am 27 weeks pregnant. I will be travelling to India for delivery. Is it safe to pass through metal detectors at the airport?

A:Hand held metal detectors and fixed frame walk through metal detectors use electromagnetic waves. These are, however, unlike x-rays, completely safe in pregnancy and do not produce any maternal or fetal nerve stimulation or increase in tissue temperature.