Bloody mucus plug (no pic)

So I have been having irregular PAINFUL contractions and this morning I have been losing bits and pieces of my plug again. A few weeks ago when I had lost it it was completely clear. Now it has brown spotting along with it and tinged inside it. Gross I know but pregnancy can get icky!! I did have a sweep done over 24 hours ago (not yet 48 hours though) is it just side effects from the sweep happening or could I really be going into labor soon since there is the brown blood in it? It's been everytime I wipe it comes out small amounts but spotting is along with it too. Any comments will help thanks :)