Probably a stupid question

I was induced with my first two so I feel like a first time mom here so bear with me lol. Yesterday and today I’ve been having bad period like cramps. Every once in a while I get a terrible one and lose a piece of mucus plug each time. I was checked a couple days ago and I’m a lose 1cm. With my other two I didn’t dilate until after 39 weeks. I am 36w and 2 days. Could this mean impending labor? I don’t want to get my hopes up going on my own into labor if all this means nothing.