An absorbent article has longitudinal edges, front and rear end regions, and a central region between the end regions, and an absorbent core disposed between a topsheet and a backsheet. A pair of central side flaps extend laterally outward from longitudinal edges of the absorbent core in the central region, and a pair of rear side flaps extend laterally outward from longitudinal edges of the absorbent core in the rear end region. A support layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet in the rear end region extends from one of the rear side flaps to the other outboard of the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core but inboard of the longitudinal edges of the article. The support layer is absent in the central side flaps. A channel with a plurality of first areas and second areas alternately spaced along at least a portion of a length of the channel is present.
