Is this normal?

3 days ago my cervix was closed and thick, last night it was 1cm and 50% effaced. I've been having frequent bowel movements for 3 days every few hours. And sometimes I have the urge to poop but can't. I'm also losing the mucus plug in chunks. My lower abdomen is cramping but not super consistently, and I have lots of pressure and pains in my vagina, especially when I push, it's excruciating!. Baby has noticeably dropped in the last week and continues to every day.. is this Early labor? Think she could be coming? Help ladies!