The present application relates to a method for determining a risk of preterm birth and/or low birth weight of a pregnant female comprising measuring a galectin-3 (Gal-3) level in a blood, plasma, or serum sample obtained from the pregnant female, or a kit or marker which may be used in the method. The present application also relates to a medicament effective to reduce a risk of preterm birth and/or low birth weight, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the medicament, or a method for reducing a risk of preterm birth and/or low birth weight of a pregnant female comprising administering the medicament or the pharmaceutical composition to the pregnant female.
