Mucus Plug and early symptoms of labor

Hi All

First pregnancy due April 30th

I just had my 39 and half week check-up with the doctor on Friday. She said I was only about a 1/2 cm dilated so she couldn’t do the membrane scrape. She did say my cervix was softening up and baby felt lower then last check-up. She offered us induction as an option. I told her we talk about it and I’d let her know.

Today my hubby and I were out running errands and I felt a lot of tugging pressure etc were it was enough uncomfortable that I had to go sit in the car. We hit our last store and same thing just didn’t feel right. We had lunch and then came home. I went to use the restroom and notice thick creamy substance when in wiped which I assumed was my mucus plug.

So I cleaned up and decided to lay down for a while. Tonight after dinner, I have been feeling really nauseous, swelling of my feet is up, back pains, and very faint cramps but not like period cramps. And feel a lot of tugging and pressure not only when I stand but when I sit too. And baby has been super active today/tonight

I was wondering could this be the start of labor? What am I looking for?

Any advice is appreciated

Thank you