Abstract: Disclosed are indicia for use in conjunction with the core of an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, disposable diaper, or adult incontinence product. The indicia are absorbent or liquid pervious to obviate reduction in the target area for loading of the absorbent core of such product. The indicia provide a means for visually indicating to the wearer incipient failure of the core when the capacity of the core may be exceeded by lateral migration of liquids deposited on the absorbent core. The indicia may be separate or integral relative to the absorbent core.