bluesoul, re. item 3. we can't make any reservation. When you are about to deliver and go to the hospital, just tell the nurse you are a civil servant, you will probably get a 2nd class room UNLESS all the beds are occupied. Regarding 1st class, if you/husband are over point 45, you are entitled to use 1st class room direct. I have heard that you may even ask the nurse (if she is good enough and the room is available) to upgrade you to take 1st class room.