Can you feel your cervix thinning out or dilating?

I'm 35weeks and this is my first pregnancy. I've been having a cramping feeling what I think is BH Contractions (I'm still not 100% sure) & sometimes I feel this funny feeling in my vag, like up inside. No discharge, stinging urine, or any of that, so my doctor said it doesn't sound like a UTI or anything bad. She also didn't check down there, so that's why I'm confused. Am I feeling my cervix dilate or effacement? I'm not sure if you CAN feel it or not.