A 28-year-old primigravida at term presents to the labor ward with regular uterine contractions (3 in 10 minutes, each lasting 40 seconds) and vaginal bleeding. On examination, cervical dilation is 2 cm, cervix is 80% effaced, and the fetal heart rate is 140 bpm with normal variability. The patient is anxious and in mild discomfort. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?