Which of the following is a clinical indication for corticosteroid use in late preterm birth?

Corticosteroids are administered in cases of late preterm birth primarily to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. The administration of corticosteroids is particularly indicated when there is a risk of preterm delivery, typically before 37 weeks of gestation, and especially when spontaneous labor begins to occur.

In scenarios where labor is being initiated spontaneously at 36 weeks, administering corticosteroids can significantly benefit fetal outcomes. This is because the lungs may not be fully mature at this stage, so corticosteroids will help accelerate lung development, potentially decreasing the incidence of complications such as respiratory distress syndrome.

In contrast, while fetal growth restriction, persistent oligohydramnios, or uncomplicated multiple gestation may be associated with their own risks, these conditions do not directly prompt the use of corticosteroids to improve fetal lung maturity unless they are coupled with the risk of imminent premature delivery. Therefore, spontaneous labor at 36 weeks serves as a clear indication for the protective effects of corticosteroids, as the immediate risk to the fetus from preterm birth is present.