Is it safe to fly while pregnant?

NAIROBI: Jenny was taking a flight to Dubai for holiday and was concerned about the safety and well being of her baby.

She was 24 weeks (5 months) into her first pregnancy.

She had two concerns, walking through the airport security-screening machines and how safe flying was for in her current condition.

To answer Jenny’s first question. The metal detectors which passengers pass through at the airport have a low-frequency electromagnetic field.

Its exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. (The same holds true for the wands that security personnel sometimes pass over individual passengers.)

Many people mistakenly think these metal detectors use the X-ray technology, which they don’t.

To be exposed to a significant level of radiation, Jenny would have to go through the luggage scanners which use X-rays to scan bags and other inanimate objects.

As to her second concern. It is normally safe to fly while you’re pregnant with the safest time being after 14 weeks and before 37 weeks or, if carrying twins, before 32 weeks.

Flying is not harmful during a low-risk pregnancy, but there may be side effects.

If more than 28-weeks pregnant, a woman should take her medical notes and a doctor’s letter.

“I have read that flying while pregnant increases the risk of cancer to my baby. Can you clarify this?” Jenny went on.

First, let me mention that the risk of birth defects are three per cent, while that of a miscarriage is 15 per cent. This is the normal incidence.

Further, while everyone who flies is exposed to a slight increase in radiation, there is no evidence that flying causes miscarriage, early labour or a woman’s waters to break.

The most important factor with regard to radiation risks is the dose.

Fortunately, when you are flying in a jet at 30,000 feet altitude, the exposure is extremely small and for only a short period of time hence there is no risk from commercial flying.

Nonetheless, ensure you discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your doctor before you fly.