['Recent studies show that preterm birth is associated with hypertension in later life. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) during pregnancy influences fetal growth and development. In the current study, we investigated the impact of fetal as well as maternal angiotensin (1-7) [Ang (1-7)] and angiotensin II (Ang II) plasma concentrations on the risk of preterm birth.', 'Three hundred and nine pregnant women were prospectively included into the study. The pregnant women were divided into two groups, for example, preterm birth of lower than 37 gestational weeks (n\u200a=\u200a17) and full-term birth of 37 gestational weeks or more (n\u200a=\u200a292). Maternal and neonatal plasma Ang (1-7) and Ang II concentrations were analyzed at birth from maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood, respectively. Risk factors for premature birth were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.', 'Fetal and maternal plasma Ang (1-7) concentrations in the preterm group were lower than those of the term group fetal Ang (1-7) preterm birth: 486.15\u200a±\u200a337.34\u200a ng/l and fetal Ang (1-7) term birth: 833.84\u200a±\u200a698.12\u200a ng/l and maternal Ang (1-7) preterm birth: 399.86\u200a±\u200a218.93\u200a ng/l; maternal Ang (1-7) term birth: 710.34\u200a±\u200a598.22\u200a ng/l. Multiple logistic regression analysis considering confounding factors revealed that preeclampsia (P\u200a<\u200a0.001), premature rupture of membranes (P\u200a=\u200a0.001), lower concentration of maternal Ang (1-7) (P\u200a=\u200a0.013) and fetal plasma Ang (1-7) (P\u200a=\u200a0.032) were independently associated with preterm birth. We could furthermore demonstrate that the maternal Ang (1-7)/Ang II ratio is independently associated with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, factors causing preterm birth.'] Are fetal and maternal angiotensin ( 1-7 ) associated with preterm birth?