Contractions cause dilation?

I feel as if this is a stupid question but last night I was cramping on and off they would last at least 30 second and they finally stopped around 10-11 it started around 5. Well I didnt know if it was Braxton hicks or legit contractions. This morning I woke up perfectly fine no pain baby moving but I lost a portion of my mucus plug.. im 39+4 days and I know it can regenerate so I know it's not that big of a deal but I was just wondering could that be the reason I was contracting?