Scientists from the Victor Chang Institute in Sydney investigated why some women have multiple miscarriages and why some babies are born with heart, kidney and spinal defects.
They found a major cause was a deficiency of a vital molecule known as NAD, which is important for normal development of organs.
Lead researcher Professor Sally Dunwoodie said it was the first time NAD been associated with miscarriages and birth defects.
"We have discovered a whole new cause of birth defects and a way to treat it as well," she said.
