Help - trial or probationary period?

[Alva]

Am interviewing for a new job after 15 months being a SAHM/freelancer. Similar field and (fairly senior) level to my previous job, but sufficiently different for my prospective boss to be a bit nervous about my potential.
She is still deciding whether to offer me the job, but has informally suggested a trial period of, say, 9 months. I just feel uncomfortable about this - very tempted to say stuff it if they dpn't have the confidence to appoint me properly, especially as nine months would be long enough to kill freelance contacts and raise questions on my CV. I suspect, tho of course it hasn't been said, that this would also be a way for them to avoid paying for maternity leave if I have another baby!
If they do suggest a trial, should I offer to do a probationary period insted? Suspect there are more formal rules about those - am I right? How long is normal/would be sensible?
Sorry this is long - thanks for your thoughts!

Depends on what basis she is suggesting a trial period. I was in a similar position and I asked for a trial period as I was really not sure that I would like the job. It was all totally informal though - I returned to work at that level in a permanent capacity and if either of us had decided it wasn't working out they would have had to find me another job at same level.

I've been doing the job about 15 mths now and it's OK - I have told boss I will want different job in about a year at the latest - and he is hatching a plan !

What could happen at end of your trial period ? Could you be out of a job ? ie. are they going to offer youa contract for 9 mths ?

Thanks scatterbrain. That sounds like a sensible use of a trial period; glad it's working out OK!
I think she has something quite different in mind, tho - more like a 9 month contract, and me out of a job if they don't decide to make me permanent. Just feeling a bit disillusioned, tbh - doesn't feel like a good starting point, but on the other hand it could be a great job...

Does anyone know if the rules for probationary periods are set out in employment law - or are they both just whatever the company agrees with the employee? Wondering if agreeing to a probationary period would give me more protection than agreeing to a trial period...