An absorbent article having two side edges (9, 10) and two end edges (11, 12), and comprising a liquid-permeable cover layer (2), a liquid-impermeable cover layer (3), and an absorption body (4) enclosed between the two cover
layers (2, 3). The article further comprises a
barrier layer (15) arranged outside the liquid-permeable cover layer (2). At least one elastic member (22, 23) is arranged with prestressing in direct contact with the absorption body (4) and extends in an arched curve across the absorption body (4) between the side edges (9, 10). The
barrier layer (15) partly covers the liquid-permeable cover layer and is anchored in the liquid-permeable cover layer (2) only within areas of the
barrier layer (15) which are situated along the edges (9-12) of the article. At least one elastic member (21) is arranged in direct connection with the barrier layer (15), as a result of which the elastic member (21) cooperates with the elastic member (22, 23) arranged in contact with the absorption body (4) so as to form a constantly basin-shaped space (26) between the barrier layer (15) and the liquid-permeable cover layer (2).