If you have a resting phase then rest, take some fluids and completely relax your body. Sleep if you can. When the contractions resume they will usually be further apart than those you experienced during the active and transitional phases of 1st stage of labour. The rest times between 2nd stage contractions are about 4-7 minutes apart and a
'body check' can be a good exercise to incorporate, helping to conserve your energy.
A body check means checking for any tension and reminding yourself to release your jaw, soften your hands, relax your face and shoulders, letting your muscles 'flop'. For example, if your shoulders are up around your ears your partner or support person can simply place their hands on your shoulders and say words like 'relax' and 'let go'. This feedback can help immensely. During the active pushing phase it is best to utilise the rest times to conserve your energy. This is something that your partner or support person can be aware of and do for you if you feel it is helping.
Many women will doze in the rest periods, allow yourself to do this if you can. Support people should be aware of keeping conversation to a minimum, so you are not distracted.
Heat/cold packs, warm compresses, shower or bath
Heat / cold packs
Warm compresses
Showers
Bath
Heat / cold packs. Heat packs can be easily placed where directed during the pushing phase, usually on the lower back, thighs, abdomen or groin. A cold pack placed across the back of your neck can cool you down as you physically exert yourself to push your baby out, especially if you are in the bath.
For more information on the types of heat packs you can use, you may wish revise and read
how to make up heat packs.
Warm compresses. Warm compresses in the form of a warm wet face washer or a folded nappy onto the perineum and / or anus can be used to ease the burning sensations as the perineum stretches and relax your pelvic floor to allow it to stretch more effectively.