cervix help

i will be 36 weeks on wednesday (2-13-13) and i did a self check tonight. my cervix was low, finger tip fit in the tip, very mushy and soft. i am having slight cramps off & on (honestly feels like braxton hicks) he is very very active. i am just curious if this is normal at this stage in pregnancy or am i going to go into labor here real soon. this is my second full term pregnancy. please help, my next doc appt isnt for another full week.