For most women, a positive pregnancy test is a time for celebration and joy. But for the 15 to 20 percent of documented pregnancies that end in miscarriage, that time of celebration can turn into a whirlwind of confusion, loss and the fear of trying to conceive again.

"I experienced two miscarriages before giving birth to our twin sons," says Linda Olson, a mom from Pennsylvania. "The loss of a fetus is a devastating experience emotionally. To the mother, it is a death to be mourned just like the person who had been born."

So what exactly causes a woman to miscarry? Are there any ways to prevent it? Read on as experts discuss the physical signs of miscarriage and what to expect from the body afterward, while women share advice on how to move forward from the experience.

According to experts, it is often difficult to determine the causes of first trimester miscarriages. Placental and uterine abnormalities and increased maternal age can all play a role, as do chromosomal abnormalities.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.