An expandable absorbent structure comprises an expansion loop core configured to expand in response to absorption of a liquid and an expansion loop material structure surrounding the expansion loop core and having a trough therein, wherein the trough is formed from a first portion of the expansion loop material structure folded over a second portion of the expansion loop material structure at a first elbow of the expansion loop material structure. In response to an increase in size of the expansion loop core, the expansion loop core presses against the expansion loop material structure to cause a length of the trough to decrease.

An absorbent article includes a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent structure located between the topsheet and a second absorbent structure, the second absorbent structure being located between the first absorbent structure and the backsheet. The second absorbent structure includes a central embossed shaping element including first and second central embossed shaping portions. The first and second central embossed shaping portions extend between a longitudinal centerline and first and second side edges, respectively. An outer embossed shaping element is provided in at least either of the topsheet or the first absorbent structure. The outer embossed shaping element includes a first and a second outer embossed shaping portion. The first and second outer embossed shaping portions are, in a transversal direction, provided outwards with respect to the first central embossed shaping portion and the second central embossed shaping portion, respectively.