Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent product suitable for placement in a wearer's garment, and absorbent products utilizing the core, are disclosed. The core comprises an absorbent batt folded upon itself along a pair of generally parallel longitudinal fold lines to form a middle, body-facing panel and two side panels, which three panels are substantially equivalent in width at the central transverse axis of the batt. In various preferred embodiments, one or more of the panels are embossed with patterns that serve to direct fluid transport in the product.