An absorbent article is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20；22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24；26. An absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average density of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average density of the absorbent core 18 surrounding said first and second regions 28；30, the first and second lower density regions 28；30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower density regions 28；30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20；22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax varying along the longitudinal direction of the article. A minimum distance a1 is located at least in the transition 32 between the crotch portion 14 and the front portion 12.
