Early stages of labor? Almost 38 weeks

Thought I was leaking fluid so went to go get checked. Turns out It was just discharge. But I started contracting every 2-3 minutes regularly. They checked my cervix (yes, I allowed them to) I could feel them but they weren't painful. I'm only 1cm and 50% effaced. They made me walk for 1 hour and then they monitored me again and I was still having them and at this point they became uncomfortable. 20 minutes go by and they check me again to see if I'm dilating more and I'm still the same. They sent me home, and I'm feeling extra crampy and still having the contractions 😭 could this be early stages?