Can early contractions come and go?

So for context, my baby’s head is super low and engaged and I was 1cm dilated at my OB appointment last Monday. Then on Friday I lost my mucus plug. A couple hours later I started having what felt like period cramps at irregular intervals… then they stopped. Overnight had a few more stronger sensations that seemed more like classic contractions… but they also stopped. So my question is… can VERY early contractions come and go like that? Rather than one steady increase in intensity. And if so, how long can that ebbing and flowing last before things actually ramp up? I’d love to hear other people’s early labour experiences!