How Long??

Okay. So I'm 38w4d. I've been losing bits a pieces of my plug for about 3 weeks now, but I lost a huge chunk yesterday morning. I'm not sure if it was everything that was left (about the size of a quarter to a 50 cent piece) because everyone says there will be blood and there wasn't any. It was just this giant ball of yellowish/clear super thick mucous. I've been having contractions daily since about 36 weeks, and Dr confirmed they were real contractions instead of Braxton Hicks. I've noticed that my contractions are getting stronger, but not closer. Should I start timing them? And how long after you lost your plug did you go into active labor? Just looking for how this went for other women so I can kinda compare and get an idea of what to expect. Sorry this was so long, and for the randomness but I'm a FTM and I've never dealt with this lol. Thanks in advance!!