I've noticed I've been losing little pieces of my mucus plug all day today and have had on and off…

I've noticed I've been losing little pieces of my mucus plug all day today and have had on and off cramps in my upper abdomen and lower back but nothing consistent or too painful.

for those that experienced this, and have had your babies, how long after this happened did you go into labor? or is this just normal for being 34w?