Contractions during the 2nd stage usually have longer rest times, compared to the end of the 1st stage where the contractions may have been coming every minute or so, or perhaps 'back to back' with no rest in between. The 2nd stage contractions normally range from 4 to 7 minutes apart and can be the reason for this part of the labour to take a while (up to 2 hours or more). The rest time is important for the woman and the baby to enable them to recover and prepare for the next contraction.
If she sleeps between the contractions then let her sleep, be aware of the noise around her and keep conversation to a minimum. If she looks tense, remember to do the
'body check' between the contractions. A body check means checking for any muscle tension and reminding her to release her jaw, hands, face and body. Run your eye over her body reminding her to release any tension she may be holding and to encourage her to 'let go', 'loosen her jaw' or 'flop' her body.
When the contraction fades away guide her to take a deep breath in and let go of that contraction and any tension. Remind her to take her breath down to the baby. Offer her a sip of water and then let her rest.
Breathing or panting with her when she needs guidance
When she starts to push, there is usually a gradual increase from the occasional urge to push at the peak of some of the stronger contractions, to stronger pushing throughout all the contractions with grunting and groaning sounds being released. Some women cannot hold back the urge to push and bear down automatically, describing it as a completely involuntary action. For others it can take a little time for the pushing urge to build and grow.
Women are usually encouraged to follow their own instincts and responses, to push when their body 'tells them to' (although this may not be possible if she has an epidural in place).