Continuing on from the 1st stage of the labour, it is important to maintain a similar atmosphere, making sure she feels safe and secure as she enters the 2nd stage. Her environment can have a positive or negative impact on how she labours. The active phase of pushing demands physical exertion. Some women will feel vulnerable and 'on show' as all the attention goes towards her vagina.
Sometimes caregivers will turn lights on or use torches to try and see the baby's head. She may be asked to move onto the bed if she is not already there. The number of caregivers may now increase from 1 to possibly 3 being present, as preparations are made for the birth. All these will depend on your chosen place of birth, if things are progressing normally and your individual caregiver.
With this in mind you may wish to consider the following:
Lighting
Body comfort
Preparing the room
Sounds
Smells
Privacy
Lighting. If the lights have been dimmed throughout the 1st stage, then keep them dimmed or turn them off if she is trying to rest. Turning on a bedside lamp or a light in an a-joining bathroom can provide filtered light into the room, without it feeling like 'Lights! Camera! Action!' If it is during the night and you are birthing at home, candlelight can be wonderfully soothing. Some women will focus on the flame when they are pushing and panting.
Body comfort. When women are actively pushing they will often become hot and sweat from the sheer effort involved. Wiping her brow or placing a cold compress or washer across the back of her neck can refresh her. Spraying water on her face can also cool her down but only do this between the contractions and if she likes it. She may not appreciate being sprayed without warning, while she is pushing or panting.
Sometimes women will shake in labour, but this is usually due to the physical effort of pushing (like running a marathon) rather than the fact that she is cold.