Can a cervix check trigger contractions?

I'm 40 weeks, got my cervix checked yesterday and all last night and this morning have been getting pretty strong contractions that are painful but I haven't been timing them, and I've also been spotting brown. Could the check have triggered contractions? I know the spotting is normal but never heard about the contractions. I asked her to  sweep my membranes but don't think she did because I was only one finger dilated. Don't wanna get my hopes up that these contractions mean anything lol Although it'd be nice to have a baby on her due date