An absorbent article includes an absorbent core (4) including a fluid storage member (18), a fluid distribution layer (17) and a fluid receiving layer (16). The distribution layer (17) is disposed to extend in the crotch portion (7) and in at least a substantial portion of one of the waist portions (5 or 6) of the article and is absent in at least a substantial part of the opposite waist portion of the article so as to promote fluid flow from the crotch portion (7) towards the one waist portion (5 or 6). A fluid barrier (19) is arranged at or in close proximity to one transverse end edge of the fluid distribution layer (17), located in or adjacent the crotch portion (7) of the article, the fluid barrier (19) extending through at least a substantial part of the thickness of the layer.