Final answer:
The maternal characteristics of the first stage of labor, latent, include the thinning and dilation of the cervix. This stage can vary in length but is generally shorter in subsequent labors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maternal characteristics of the first stage of labor, latent, are primarily related to the changes that occur in the mother's body during early labor. During this stage, the cervix thins and dilates to prepare for the baby's birth. The length of this stage can vary, but it tends to be shorter in subsequent labors.