Yes, it’s perfectly safe.
The kind of whole-body scanner you step through uses technology called millimetrewave imaging. It's designed to pick up potentially dangerous objects that may be concealed under clothing. The scanner bounces waves off your body which then go back to the machine for processing. The level of radiation you're exposed to during this process is lower than you get from your phone.
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At these low levels, exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. The same is true for the hand-held scanning wands that are sometimes passed over individual passengers.
If you do have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable about using a full-body scanner, you can refuse to step through one. However, airport security staff won't allow you to board a plane until you've been searched. The alternative to the scanner is a thorough hand search in a private room. You may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing, and the check takes much longer than stepping through a scanner.
Meanwhile, your luggage and any other items you are carrying are passed through a screening machine that uses x-rays. These units have thick walls, and lead curtains at each end to stop radiation from leaking out.
It's safe for you to stand next to one of these machines while you're pregnant. There are no increased risks to you or your unborn baby, whether you are a passenger or working in airport security.
If you're planning a trip abroad and have any concerns, find out all you need to know about flying during pregnancy.
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