Kate, I have painful BH and on the odd occassion they actually hurt so much that they stop me in my tracks and yes I have felt the urge to push. I think it's actually my bodys natural reflex to try and counteract the pain and contracting of the uterus.
I don't know what, if any, your caffine intake is, but if you are drinking anything with caffine in it, minimise the amount of caffine you're taking as this can contribute to painful BH. Also, when you need to pee...PEE, don't try and hang on. Full bladders can cause strong BH. And also drink lots of water to stay hydrated, this can help minimise them aswell.
My MW told me that whoever said BH don't or shouldn't hurt must have been a man and that it's actually quite common to have painful BH.
ETA: are you due in Dec or Nov? Think we have you on our due list in Dec but haven't seen you around in there for aaaaaaaggggges?
Edited by AmStaff