A 32-year-old multiparous woman (G3P2) at term presents to the labor ward in active labor. On examination, the cervix is 8 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and the fetal head is at 0 station. She reports severe pain with a strong urge to bear down with each contraction. Uterine contractions occur every 1–2 minutes and last 60–90 seconds. The fetal heart rate is 138 bpm with good variability. What is the most appropriate next step in management?